Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea
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Pl. 865C — Cornus sanguinea
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IOverview
Overview
Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus sanguinea, is a deciduous shrub native to central and northern Europe, including regions such as Albania, Austria, and Ukraine. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soil types. It is hardy in zones 4-8, reaching heights of up to 3 meters. Dogwood is known for its edible fruits, which are often used in culinary applications. Its distinctive red twigs and bark provide ornamental value throughout the year, especially during winter when leaves have fallen.
Quick answers
What is Dogwood?
Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus sanguinea, is a deciduous shrub native to central and northern Europe, including regions such as Albania, Austria, and Ukraine. This plant thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Dogwood thrives in moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 7 and 7.5. It requires full to partial sunlight with moderate light exposure of about 6/10. This shrub is hardy in temperate regions, specifically zones 4-8. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. Water the plant regularly to maintain moisture, especially during dry spells. With proper care, Dogwood can grow up to 3 meters tall and make a beautiful addition to your garden.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Dogwood for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple shrub that thrives in various conditions, perfect for beginner gardeners.
- 1
What you'll need
A young dogwood plant and some basic gardening tools like a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is still workable but not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 7-7.5), and amend with compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young dogwood from a nursery pot into your garden bed, ensuring it has enough space to grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water the plant regularly to help establish its roots and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts, removing any dead or crossing branches for better air circulation.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Weaving materialFire starterDyeHedgerowoilLumberFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 865cac06-4a7a-4dc8-b1fa-7d11da28bceb
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