Cornus

Cornus Eddies White Wonder and more - New Zealand’s Best Plants!

Growing colourful trees such as Cornus Eddies White Wonder in your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They can be used to provide shade, screening, and shelter.
• They attract birds.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of flowering dogwoods, including Cornus kousa, and we have the right one for your space. These have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cornus, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cornus Questions

1. Can you get dogwood trees in NZ?

Yes, you can get dogwood trees in New Zealand. The most common type is the American dogwood (Cornus florida). This tree is known for its beautiful spring flowers, which come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and red. They also have attractive autumn foliage, which turns shades of red, orange, and yellow.

Another popular type of dogwood grown in New Zealand is the Japanese dogwood (Cornus kousa). This tree is similar to the American dogwood, but is more cold-hardy and has a longer flowering season. They also have larger flowers and bracts than American dogwoods.

In addition to the American and Japanese dogwoods, there are a number of other dogwood species that are grown in New Zealand. These include the strawberry dogwood (Cornus capitata), the Chinese dogwood (Cornus chinensis), and the European dogwood (Cornus sanguinea).

When choosing a dogwood tree for your garden, it is important to consider the desired height and spread of the tree. If you are unsure which dogwood variety is right for you, simply ask The Plant Company! We’re here to help.

2. Which is the best Cornus?

The best Cornus is the one you like and that suits your garden and climate! There are many different types of dogwood trees and shrubs, each with its own unique beauty and characteristics.

• Cornus florida (American dogwood): This tree is known for its stunning spring flowers, which come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, and red. American dogwoods also have attractive autumn foliage, which turns shades of red, orange, and yellow.
• Cornus kousa (Japanese dogwood): This tree is similar to the American dogwood in many ways, but it is more cold-hardy and has a longer flowering season. Japanese dogwoods also have larger flowers and bracts than American dogwoods.
• Cornus capitata (strawberry dogwood): This shrub is known for its clusters of white flowers that resemble strawberries. Strawberry dogwoods also have attractive red autumn foliage.
• Cornus chinensis (Chinese dogwood): This tree is known for its clusters of creamy-white flowers in spring and its attractive red bark in winter.
• Cornus sanguinea (European dogwood): This shrub is known for its clusters of white or pale pink flowers in spring and its attractive red or yellow autumn foliage. When choosing a dogwood tree or shrub for your garden, it is important to consider the following factors:

If you are unsure which dogwood variety is right for you, it is a good idea to consult with The Plant Company. We can help you choose the best variety for your specific needs and conditions.

3. Is Cornus the same as dogwood?

Cornus is the scientific genus for dogwood trees and shrubs, so yes, they are the same. There are over 60 species in the genus Cornus, which are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are popular due to their beautiful spring flowers, which come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, and red. They also have attractive autumn foliage, which turns shades of red, orange, and yellow.

4. What season is best to plant dogwood tree?

The best time to plant a dogwood tree is during winter or spring. This is because it can establish before summer. Autumn planting is also fine if the tree can be watered during dry periods.

Here are some tips for planting a dogwood:

• Choose a sunny spot with a well-drained soil.
• Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
• Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, firming it in gently to remove any air pockets.
• Water the tree after planting and during any dry periods.
• Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Consider staking the tree to avoid wind damage.

Once your dogwood tree is planted, be sure to water it regularly, especially during its first year. Fertilise the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer such as https://www.theplantcompany.co.nz/shop/product/fertiliser/tree-and-shrub-fertiliser

With proper care, your tree will thrive!

5. What is a Cornus capitata?

Cornus capitata, also known as strawberry dogwood, Himalayan dogwood, or evergreen dogwood, is a small evergreen tree native to the Himalayas and western China. It is a popular ornamental plant, and is grown for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit.

Strawberry dogwoods have glossy green leaves with fuzzy undersides. In spring, it produces clusters of small, white flowers surrounded by large, showy bracts. The bracts are initially green, but they turn white or pale yellow as the flowers open. After flowering, the tree produces clusters of red, strawberry-like fruit.

6. Can you cut the top off a dogwood tree?

It is generally not recommended to cut the top off a dogwood tree, though it may be necessary to contain the plant. If you need to reduce the height of a dogwood, it is best to prune selected branches back to a lateral branch or the trunk. This will help to maintain the tree's natural shape and structure.

Here are some tips for pruning a dogwood tree:

• Prune dogwood trees in late winter or early spring, when the tree is dormant and not actively growing.
• Use sharp pruning tools to make clean cuts.
• Avoid cutting into the branch collar, which is the swollen area at the base of the branch.
• Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
• Thin out crowded branches to allow for better air circulation.
• Reduce the height of the tree by pruning selected branches back to a lateral branch or to the trunk.

7. What is the English name for Cornus?

"Cornus" contains around 30-60 species and these are generally known as dogwoods.

8. What is the lifespan of a Cornus tree?

The lifespan of a Cornus tree, also known as a dogwood, varies quite a bit depending on the specific species and growing conditions. Here's a breakdown:

General range:

• Average lifespan: 50-80 years
• Potential lifespan: Up to 150 years for some species with ideal conditions.

9. How close to the house can I plant a dogwood tree?

The safe distance to plant a dogwood tree from your house depends on several factors:

• Specific dogwood species: Different dogwood species have different mature sizes and root spread. For example, a Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) reaches 6-9 meters at maturity, while a Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) can grow up to 12 meters.
• Foundation type: Shallow foundations are more vulnerable to damage from tree roots than deep foundations.
• Soil type: Clay and heavy soils restrict root movement, leading to potential conflicts with foundation lines. In ideal sandy soil, roots can spread further without posing an issue.
• Desired spacing for aesthetic purposes: You may want to give the tree enough space for full canopy development and to avoid shading windows or doorways.

Here's a general guideline based on mature tree height:

• Minimum recommended distance: 6 meters (20 feet) – This applies to all dogwood species, ensuring minimal risk of foundation damage and allowing enough room for the tree to thrive.
• Ideal distance:
  • Small species (up to 6 meters): 7-9 meters (23-30 feet)
  • Medium species (6-12 meters): 9-12 meters (30-40 feet)
  • Large species (over 12 meters): 12-15 meters (40-50 feet)

10. What are the best conditions for Cornus?

The best conditions for your Cornus, also known as a dogwood, depend on the specific species you have! Different types of dogwood have slightly varying preferences for soil, moisture, sunlight, and other factors. However, here are some general guidelines:

Sunlight:

• Most dogwoods prefer full sun to part shade. Some shade can be beneficial in hot climates, while too much shade can reduce flowering and overall growth.
• Species like the Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) can tolerate more shade than others.

Soil:

• Well-drained, fertile soil is ideal for most dogwoods. They don't like wet feet, so avoid poorly drained areas.
• A slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) is preferred by some species, like the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida).

Moisture:

• Regular watering is important, especially during the first few years after planting and during hot, dry periods. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
• Once established, most dogwoods are fairly drought-tolerant.