A closeup of a branch belonging to the Cornelian Variegated Cherry Dogwood, the foliage has creamy white edges to it with a dark green center
The Cornelian Variegated Cherry Dogwood in a black nursery pot, covered in the white and green variegated foliage against a white background
A closeup of a branch belonging to the Cornelian Variegated Cherry Dogwood, the foliage has creamy white edges to it with a dark green center
The Cornelian Variegated Cherry Dogwood in a black nursery pot, covered in the white and green variegated foliage against a white background

Cornelian Variegated Cherry Dogwood

Bower & Branch Trees and Plants

Cornus mas 'Variegata'

Regular price
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This plant is not available at this time through Bower & Branch. We provide this plant profile for reference only. 

See below for alternative selections for purchase and inspiration!

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Growth Facts

  • Hardiness Zone: 4-7
  • Mature Height: 15-20' tall
  • Mature Width: 15-20' wide
  • Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
  • Spacing: 15-20' apart

Why plant Cornelian Variegated Cherry Dogwood?

One of the first trees of the year to bloom, the Variegated Cornelian Cherry Dogwood Tree will chase away your winter blues with a profusion of cheerful golden flowers that confirm that spring is indeed on its way. The crisp white and green variegated foliage that follows the blossoms will light up your landscape all season. In summer, antioxidant-rich, glossy red “superfruits” appear, but good luck getting any before the songbirds swoop in to get their fill! This uncommon but truly choice small flowering tree is ideal for showcasing in your front yard, though you can keep it all to yourself to enjoy in your backyard retreat instead.

Native to parts of Europe and the Middle East, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood has played a role in human life for thousands of years. Archaeological finds have indicated that people enjoyed its fruits 7,000 years ago! Today the fragrant sweet-tart “cherries” are still made into wine, jellies, puddings, and syrups in its native lands. A variegated version of this lovely and useful tree, called ‘Elegantissima’, was grown in Germany as long ago as 1772, but that plant is a weak bloomer. At some point, it was largely replaced by this vastly superior variegated selection which flowers and fruits abundantly once established.

How to use Cornelian Variegated Cherry Dogwood in the landscape?

Cornelian Cherry fruits look somewhat like cherries, although they are actually Dogwood fruits and aren’t related to Cherries at all. The “Cornelian” part of this tree’s name is also a reference to its fruits. “Cornelian” (or “Carnelian”) is a deep red gemstone found in Brazil, Germany, and other parts of the world which looks like a cherry, or a Cornelian Cherry Dogwood fruit, when polished.

Planting Zones

Hardiness Zone: 4-7

How To Plant Cornelian Variegated Cherry Dogwood

Although the Variegated Cornelian Cherry is a Dogwood Tree, it isn’t susceptible to the diseases that Flowering Dogwoods are sometimes afflicted with. In fact, it’s an easygoing tree that will make very few demands on your busy schedule. The only thing it really struggles with is extreme heat and humidity, so it isn’t a great plant for the Deep South. Plant this small tree in full sun or part shade in soil that drains well, and keep the roots cool and moist with a layer of organic mulch and the Bower & Branch™ Water Element. Like many variegated trees, the Variegated Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is a slow-growing tree that will stay smaller than all-green varieties.

How To Water

Water weekly, or better yet, use the Bower & Branch® Water Element to deliver just the right amount of moisture to your tree throughout the growing season.

How To Fertilize

Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.

How To Prune

In its natural state, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood normally takes the form of a "trub," or a shrubby, low-branched tree, but a fine specimen form may be had by clearing away the twiggy growth on the lower branches, giving the plant a neater outline.


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