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cornus tree

The cornus tree, known for its elegant structure and striking seasonal displays, is a standout choice for gardens across New Zealand. Cornus trees, popularly referred to as dogwoods, offer year-round interest with their vibrant spring flowers, lush summer foliage, vivid autumn colour, and sometimes even striking winter bark. Whether you’re beautifying a small urban courtyard or establishing a statement specimen in a landscaped space, cornus trees provide beauty, resilience, and a touch of classic charm.

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 spring just as the new foliage begins to emerge.

From $279.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 5.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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 autumn. The glossy foliage is dark green and contrasts perfectly with the flowers. As autumn progresses, the leaves develop impressive shades of red and purple before falling.

From $279.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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$399.95
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$349.95
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...

From$349.95
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$279.95
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$279.95
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$349.95
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$349.95
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...

From$349.95
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$349.95
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...

From$279.95
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$24.95
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$279.95
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata', also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
cedrela-sinensis-flamingo-7
Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree)

Cedrela sinensis 'Flamingo' (Toon Tree) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its striking flushes of vibrant pink foliage that mature through...

From$270.40
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser

Fruit Tree Fertiliser is specially formulated to support healthy growth, strong root development, and productive fruiting in a wide range of fruit...

From$16.95
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

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
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Cornus 'Cherokee Chief'

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 tree

What Is a Cornus Tree?

A cornus tree is a member of the Cornaceae family and is celebrated for its distinctive, layered branching and exquisite flowers. Many cornus species offer attractive berry-like fruits and stunning foliage, making them a gardener’s favourite worldwide. In New Zealand gardens, cornus trees thrive with the right care, rewarding homeowners with eye-catching seasonal displays.

Popular Types of Cornus Trees

Several varieties of cornus trees suit New Zealand’s climate, each with unique characteristics.

Why Choose a Cornus Tree for Your Garden?

Adding a cornus tree to your landscape brings multi-seasonal flair. Their blooms herald spring, attracting birds and beneficial insects. In summer, the dense canopy provides shade and privacy. Autumn months are set ablaze with brilliant reds, oranges, and purples, while unique bark and branch structure catch the eye in winter.

Cornus trees make excellent specimen trees, informal hedges, or focal points in mixed borders. Their adaptable nature means they flourish in both sun and partial shade, and most varieties are tolerant of New Zealand’s climate.

Planting and Caring for Cornus Trees

Cornus trees thrive in moist, well-draining soils rich in organic matter. Choose a spot with morning sun or dappled shade for best results. When planting, dig a generous hole and backfill with compost to give your tree a great start. Mulch well to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Regular watering during dry spells is key, especially while establishing new plants. Pruning is minimal—remove dead or crossing branches in winter for best form and airflow.

Explore Our Cornus Collection

If you’re captivated by the idea of a stunning cornus tree in your garden, explore our range: Cornus kousa National, Cornus controversa, Cornus Cherokee Chief, Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross', and Cornus 'Greenvale'. Each brings its own special beauty—let us help you choose the perfect cornus tree for your garden.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

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