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cornus florida nz

If you’re searching for “cornus florida nz,” you’re likely interested in bringing the beauty and elegance of the flowering dogwood to your New Zealand garden. Cornus florida is renowned for its breathtaking spring display, featuring soft pink, white, or red bracts that appear before the leaves unfold. In NZ gardens, this ornamental tree is prized not only for its flowers but also for its striking autumn foliage and attractive berries, which provide food for local birds. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, cornus florida offers stunning seasonal interest and a manageable size for residential landscapes. On this page, discover everything you need to know about growing cornus florida in NZ – from varieties to planting tips and why this tree is a favourite for Kiwi garden design.

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 cultivar, a cross between Cornus florida and Cornus nuttallii, features large, showy white flowers that appear in spring, followed by red berries in autumn.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus 'Stokes Pink' elegant pink flowers.

Cornus 'Stokes Pink'

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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 just as the foliage emerges. The glossy leaves emerge green with bronze overtones, quickly age to become dark green, then develop colourful red tones before falling.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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...

From$270.40
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...

From$383.29
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...

From$340.69
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...

From$270.40
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...

From$270.40
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...

From$340.69
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...

From$34.43
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...

From$270.40
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...

From$340.69
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...

From$270.40
Gardenia florida spectacular white flower amidst dark green foliage.
Gardenia 'Florida'

Gardenia florida is a compact, evergreen shrub renowned for its glossy, green foliage and richly fragrant, white blooms that appear from late spring...

From$18.95
An elegant Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' white flower.
Gardenia 'Professor Pucci'

Gardenia 'Professor Pucci' is a stunning evergreen shrub known for its exceptionally large, fragrant white blooms and glossy green foliage. Flowering...

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Disphyma australe pink flowers and fleshy, green leaves.
Disphyma australe (NZ Ice Plant)

Disphyma australe, commonly known as NZ Ice Plant, is a hardy and attractive groundcover valued for its fleshy, bright green foliage and striking...

From$19.50
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
Cornus florida elegant white flowers.
Cornus florida

Cornus florida is grown for its lovely flowering and attractive form. Masses of showy, single, white flowers are borne in spring and are followed by...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Cornus 'Purple Glory' rose-red flowers in spring.
Cornus florida 'Purple Glory'

Cornus florida 'Purple Glory' features leaves that emerge pink-purple in spring, age to become mid-purple, then develop impressive dark red and black...

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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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Cornus 'Cherokee Daybreak' pink, green, and cream variegated foliage.
Cornus 'Cherokee Daybreak'

Cornus 'Cherokee Daybreak' is grown for its lovely flowering, attractive form, and colourful foliage. Leaves that are variegated green, cream, and...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
A Cornus kousa chinensis specimen tree covered in white flowers.
Cornus kousa 'Chinensis'

Cornus kousa Chinensis is a small, deciduous tree that features large and showy, white flowers in spring that mature to a light pink, which are...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
A Cornus 'Cherokee Princess' specimen tree covered in white flowers.
Cornus 'Cherokee Princess'

Cornus 'Cherokee Princess' is grown for its lovely flowering, attractive form, and colourful foliage. Leaves emerge light green in spring, age to...

OUT OF STOCK
Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search cornus florida nz

Why Choose Cornus florida for NZ Gardens?

Cornus florida thrives in New Zealand’s moderate climates, given moist, well-drained soils and a partially shaded location. It’s a striking choice for borders, woodland gardens, or as a feature tree. The spring bloom provides a burst of colour when other trees are still bare, followed by lush green summer foliage and vivid autumn reds and purples. Its berries attract native birds, adding a wildlife-friendly element to your property. For those seeking variety, Cornus florida is available in several cultivars, each with unique visual appeal and performance in NZ conditions.

Popular Cornus florida Varieties in New Zealand

Choosing the right variety of Cornus florida can elevate your garden’s design. Explore some of our most popular selections:

Growing and Caring for Cornus florida in NZ

Getting the best from your cornus florida starts with site selection and soil preparation. Choose a spot with filtered sunlight and shelter from harsh winds. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and drains well. Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the establishment phase. Mulch around the base in spring to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning should be minimal – simply remove any dead or damaged branches after flowering. With the right care, your cornus florida will thrive and reward you year after year.

Design Ideas for Cornus florida NZ

Incorporate cornus florida as a feature tree in lawns, use it as a charming spring-flowering hedge, or pair it with other woodland plants like azaleas and rhododendrons. Its compact growth makes it suitable for smaller gardens, courtyards, or even as a patio specimen. The tree’s vibrant seasonal changes ensure your landscape stays fresh and interesting throughout the year, making it a versatile addition to NZ gardens.

Ready to add a flowering dogwood to your garden? Discover our full range of cornus florida varieties, including Cornus florida, Cornus florida 'Rainbow', Cornus florida 'Purple Glory', Cornus florida 'First Lady', and Cornus florida 'Spring Song' to find the perfect fit for your NZ garden.


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Our garden favourites Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) and Griselinia 'Broadway Mint' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Orange Barnfield, Feijoa 'Antoinette', and Prunus 'Amanogawa'.
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