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cornus dogwood

Cornus dogwood is a beloved group of deciduous trees and shrubs that bring year-round interest and vibrant colour to New Zealand gardens. Whether you're looking to brighten up your winter landscape with colourful stems, add spring blossom to your borders, or provide berries for wildlife, cornus dogwood varieties offer something special for every garden style. With their easy-care nature and striking appearance, Cornus species are a fantastic choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

A Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood) specimen tree.

Cornus controversa

Cornus controversa, commonly known as the Giant Dogwood, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that features lush foliage that emerges mid-green in spring, ages to become dark green, then develops colourful red and purple tones in autumn before falling. The tree is adorned with clusters of cream-white flowers in summer, which result in small, dark blue berries. It typically grows to 10 m tall and 6 m wide. Cornus controversa makes for a lovely specimen tree and is an excellent choice for adding to a mixed planting, or using as a backdrop for smaller plants.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' plants with yellow stems.

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Cornus stolonifera Flaviramea, commonly known as the Yellow Stem Dogwood, is a shrub that features bright yellow stems which become more pronounced in winter. The leaves emerge dark green in spring, and remain this colour until developing red tones in autumn and falling. It typically grows to 2.5 m tall and 1 m wide, and should be trimmed each year. Cornus Flaviramea is a great plant for adding to a mixed planting, as well as cluster planting to provide a dramatic winter display.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.
Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid...

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Cornus alba 'Sibirica' new spring foliage with white flowers.
Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’, commonly known as Siberian Dogwood, is a striking deciduous shrub ideal for New Zealand gardens. It is prized for its vivid...

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A Cornus 'Cloud 9' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.
Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Cornus 'Cloud 9' produces masses of showy, single, white flowers through spring, which are followed by clusters of red fruit in autumn. The foliage...

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Cornus 'National' specimen tree with masses of cream-coloured flowers.
Cornus kousa National

Cornus kousa 'National' is a deciduous tree that features large and showy, cream white flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in...

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Cornus 'Spring Song' rose-pink flowers.
Cornus florida 'Spring Song'

Cornus florida 'Spring Song' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, rose-pink flowers are...

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Cornus 'Milky Way' specimen tree covered in masses of white flowers.
Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' features large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy...

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Cornus 'Stokes Pink' elegant pink flowers.
Cornus 'Stokes Pink'

Cornus 'Stokes Pink' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, two-tone pink flowers are borne...

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Cornus 'Southern Cross' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'

Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross' features large and showy, white flowers which adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. It...

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A Cornus kousa 'Satomi' specimen tree with masses of elegant pink flowers.
Cornus kousa 'Satomi'

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' is a small and popular, deciduous tree that features masses of large and showy, pink flowers in spring, which are followed by...

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Cornus controversa variegata (Wedding Cake Tree) specimen in a large garden.
Cornus controversa variegata

Cornus controversa variegata, commonly referred to as the Wedding Cake Tree, features tiered branches that bear leaves that are variegated cream and...

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Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' specimen tree with masses of pink flowers in late winter.
Cornus Cherokee Chief

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' is a small, deciduous tree grown for its impressive flowering and attractive form. Masses of rose-red flowers are borne in...

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A small Cornus kousa 'China Girl' specimen tree with masses of white flowers against green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'China Girl'

Cornus kousa 'China Girl' is a small and popular, deciduous tree with large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed...

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Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' variegated foliage.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'

Cornus alba 'Elegantissima', commonly known as the Red-Twig Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub grown for its variegated foliage and colourful stems. The...

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Cornus 'Midwinter Fire' plant with orange-red stems.
Cornus 'Midwinter Fire'

Cornus 'Mountain Fire' is a variety of the commonly known, Dogwood, and is a shrub that features brightly coloured stems which are most pronounced in...

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Cornus kousa (Dogwood) specimen tree with lush green foliage and masses of white flowers.
Cornus kousa

Cornus kousa is a variety of Dogwood grown for its impressive flowering and attractive form. Large and showy, white flowers adorn the tree in spring...

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Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.
Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten'

Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' features large and showy, white flowers during spring and summer, which are followed by red berries in autumn. It grows...

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Cornus 'Rainbow' yellow and green variegated foliage.
Cornus florida 'Rainbow'

Cornus florida 'Rainbow' is a deciduous shrub grown for its impressive flowering and colourful foliage. Large and showy, white flowers adorn the tree...

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A Cornus kousa 'Pendula' tree with white flowers and cascading green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Pendula'

Cornus kousa 'Pendula' is a deciduous shrub that produces large and showy, white flowers through spring and summer. It grows with an upright and...

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Cornus florida 'pendula' tree with pendulous branches carrying white flowers and dark green leaves.
Cornus florida pendula

Cornus florida 'Pendula' is a deciduous shrub featuring large and showy, cream-white flowers through spring and summer. It grows with an upright and...

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Cornus 'First Lady' specimen tree with yellow-green foliage.
Cornus florida 'First Lady'

Cornus florida 'First Lady' features masses of showy, white flowers through spring, which are followed by clusters of red fruit in autumn. The...

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Cornus 'Doubloon' elegant white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Doubloon'

Cornus kousa 'Doubloon' features masses of showy, white flowers in spring just as the new foliage begins to emerge. The leaves emerge green with...

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A Cornus capitata (Evergreen Dogwood) tree with lush green foliage and masses of white flowers.
Cornus capitata

Cornus capitata, commonly known as the Evergreen Dogwood, is a striking small tree or large shrub well-suited to New Zealand gardens. It produces...

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Cornus nuttallii plant with green foliage and white flowers.
Cornus nuttallii

Cornus nuttallii, commonly known as Pacific Dogwood, features large and showy, cream-white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed by...

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Cornus kousa 'Rubra' pink flowers.
Cornus florida 'Rubra'

Cornus florida 'Rubra' is a medium-sized, deciduous tree featuring large and showy, rose-pink flowers in spring before leaves emerge. Red berries...

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Cornus mas tree with yellow flowers.
Cornus mas

Cornus mas, commonly known as the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, is grown for its impressive flowering, attractive form, and autumn fruits. Small, yellow...

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Cornus 'Golden Wedding' specimen tree.
Cornus controversa 'Golden Wedding'

Cornus controversa 'Golden Wedding' features lush foliage that emerges with bronze tones in spring, ages quickly to reveal green and gold...

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A Cornus 'Bonfire' tree covered in white flowers with green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Bonfire'

Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' features large and showy, white flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy foliage is...

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Cornus 'Old Gold' lime-green foliage in summer.
Cornus florida 'Old Gold'

Cornus florida 'Old Gold' is a small, deciduous tree with foliage that emerges golden yellow in spring, then ages to become an antique gold colour in...

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Stunning Cornus 'Greenvale' trees in a modern garden.
Cornus 'Greenvale'

Cornus 'Greenvale' is a small, deciduous tree grown for its showy and long-lasting flowers. Masses of the large, light green flowers are borne...

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A stunning Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' (Silver Pagoda Dogwood) specimen tree.
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'

Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea', commonly known as the Silver Pagoda Dogwood, is a small, deciduous tree renowned for its beautiful foliage and...

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Cornus controversa

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cornus, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

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Why Choose Cornus Dogwood for Your Garden?

Cornus dogwood stands out for its visual appeal throughout all four seasons. In spring, many species burst into clouds of beautiful white or pink flowers. By summer, lush green or variegated foliage takes centre stage, offering an elegant backdrop to your garden. In autumn, cornus dogwood often delights with vivid leaf colours from reds to yellows. Come winter, select varieties showcase brilliant stems—like red, yellow or green—that add structure and cheer to the landscape when little else is in bloom.

Popular Cornus Dogwood Varieties

The cornus dogwood family is diverse, with varieties suited to both formal and informal settings. Some standout options include:

Planting and Care Tips

Cornus dogwood thrives in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They appreciate full sun to partial shade and benefit from an annual mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring for the colourful-stemmed varieties, as this encourages the best new growth for the following season.

Dogwoods are remarkably hardy and can cope with New Zealand's diverse conditions, but they do prefer some shelter from harsh winds. Regular watering during dry spells in the first year will help establish strong, healthy roots.

Design Ideas for Cornus Dogwood

Cornus dogwood is highly versatile in the landscape. Use the colourful-stemmed varieties as a winter highlight in mixed borders, or mass plant them for dramatic effect. Specimen trees like Cornus controversa and Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' can form elegant focal points in lawns or larger gardens. Underplant with spring bulbs to make the most of their open canopy in early spring.

For hedging, mixed shrubberies, or as part of a wildlife-friendly garden, cornus dogwoods offer structure, seasonal interest, and important food for birds.

Discover Cornus Dogwood Varieties in New Zealand

Explore our range of cornus dogwood shrubs and trees, including selections like Cornus alba 'Elegantissima', Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea', and Cornus alba 'Sibirica'. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy a garden full of colour and vitality all year round.


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