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cornus pendula

If you're searching for information on cornus pendula, you've come to the right place. Cornus pendula is a captivating, weeping form of dogwood that brings architectural elegance and seasonal interest to New Zealand gardens. With its graceful, cascading branches and showy floral displays, this ornamental tree is prized by gardeners and landscape designers seeking a standout specimen. Whether you're a home gardener or a professional landscaper, understanding the unique qualities and best uses for cornus pendula can help you create a stunning, year-round focal point in your outdoor space.

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 green. The foliage retains this colouring until autumn, when yellow tones develop before the leaves fall. It typically grows to 6 m tall and 4 m wide and is usually trimmed to enhance the shape. Cornus controversa variegata makes an excellent specimen tree and is ideal for including in a mixed planting, using in avenue plantings, or planting to border an entranceway.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 6.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, 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. It grows with a rounded habit to about 3 m tall and the same wide. Cornus 'Stokes Pink' is commonly included in mixed plantings, planted around outdoor living areas, used to border an entrance, maintained in a courtyard garden, or included in cottage gardens.

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
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
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...

From$340.69
pyrus-salicifolia-pendula-1
Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula'

Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula' is a graceful ornamental pear admired for its elegant weeping branches and silvery grey foliage. The narrow leaves create...

From$515.35
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 '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 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...

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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 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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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 '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 '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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prunus-subhirtella-pendula-rosea-3
Prunus 'Pendula Rosea'

Prunus 'Pendula Rosea' is a stunning weeping ornamental cherry tree admired for its cascading branches and masses of soft pink flowers during spring...

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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...

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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 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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betula-pendula-
Betula pendula

Betula pendula (the Silver Birch tree) is a graceful deciduous tree admired for its striking white bark and delicate light green foliage. As the...

From$269.91
ginkgo-biloba-pendula-
Ginkgo biloba Pendula

Ginkgo biloba Pendula is grown for its colourful foliage and weeping growth habit. This deciduous tree has distinctive, fan-shaped, rich green leaves...

From$387.55
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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fraxinus-excelsior-aurea-pendula-2
Fraxinus excelsior aurea pendula

Fraxinus excelsior aurea pendula, commonly known as the Weeping Golden Ash, is a deciduous tree grown for its colourful foliage and weeping growth...

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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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Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula' (Weeping Beech) specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica Pendula

Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula' (Weeping Beech), commonly known as the Weeping European Beech tree, features a broad and spreading crown of pendulous...

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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...

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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 'Cherokee Princess' covered in masses of 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...

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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...

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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 '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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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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morus-alba-pendula--1
Morus alba 'Pendula' (White Mulberry)

Morus alba 'Pendula' (Weeping Mulberry) is a striking ornamental tree known for its graceful cascading branches and lush green foliage. This compact...

OUT OF STOCK
Cornus controversa variegata

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search cornus pendula

What is Cornus pendula?

Cornus pendula refers to a group of weeping dogwoods, celebrated for their arching, pendulous branch structure. Often, when searching for cornus pendula, gardeners are interested in specific cultivated varieties. One of the most admired is Cornus kousa 'Pendula', known for its white star-shaped blooms in late spring, attractive red berries in summer, and brilliant autumn foliage. Its pendulous form makes it ideal for garden beds, borders, or as a feature tree overlooking a lawn or patio.

Another related selection is Cornus florida pendula, which offers a similarly elegant silhouette with large, creamy-white flowers and reliable autumn colour. These cultivars thrive in well-drained soil and a sunny to part-shaded position—perfect for New Zealand’s varied climates.

Planting and Care

Cornus pendula trees are relatively low maintenance but benefit from being planted in neutral to slightly acidic soils with good drainage. Mulch around the base to preserve moisture and regulate temperature. Water newly planted trees regularly until established. Most cornus pendula types are hardy once mature and respond well to annual feeding with a slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

Pruning is rarely needed, other than to remove dead or crossing branches. The weeping form of varieties like Cornus kousa 'Pendula' or Cornus florida pendula should be preserved for maximum visual appeal. If you're interested in alternative weeping trees for contrast, consider Fraxinus excelsior aurea pendula or Fagus sylvatica Pendula.

Uses in the Garden

The distinctive shape of cornus pendula trees makes them a natural choice as a specimen feature for smaller spaces or urban courtyards. Their layered, weeping branches lend a soft, elegant feel to Japanese-inspired gardens or woodland settings. Plant alongside evergreen shrubs or other deciduous trees like Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' for extended season interest.

Weeping dogwoods also pair beautifully with flowering bulbs underneath and are attractive to birds and pollinators when in bloom or fruit. Try them beside water features or ponds, where their arched branches reflect beautifully in the water.

Find Your Ideal Cornus pendula

If you’re ready to add cornus pendula to your garden, browse our selection of weeping dogwoods, including Cornus kousa 'Pendula' and Cornus florida pendula. Our range offers something for every garden style and size, ensuring you find the perfect focal tree for your New Zealand landscape. For more inspiration, explore related weeping and ornamental trees such as Fraxinus excelsior aurea pendula, Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten', and Fagus sylvatica Pendula.


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