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.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
