Cornus / Dogwood plants in Ireland

Cornus is a genus of trees and shrubs that is most well-known in Ireland for the red, green or yellow-twigged shubs planted along many Irish road verges. These tough plants can be cut back each spring, after a winter of showing off their great colourful twigs, to grow another crop for the following winter. However, there are some tree-like species which are grown primarily for their flowers or leaves, many of which are exquisitely elegant plants. Throughout different parts of the year, we stock an excellent selection of Cornus species, including the shrubby Cornus 'Midwinter Fire' (orange winter stems); Cornus alba 'Sibirica' (red winter stems) and Cornus alba 'Elegantissima (red winter twigs, creamy variegated leaves in summer). We also supply the tree-like and much showier Cornus which make graceful trees for the smaller, more sheltered woodland garden, with large flowers (or bracts, to be precise) in early spring or summer: Cornus kousa 'Milky Way',  Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' and the 'wedding cake tree', Cornus controversa 'Variegata'. Generally speaking, these small trees are suitable for woodland gardens or gardens with dappled shade. They have an elegant habit and graceful twigs and buds, making them a tree for the discerning gardener. 'Eddies White Wonder' has the largest flowers of all and is a most impressive plant when in bloom.

Generally speaking, the tree dogwoods should be only lightly pruned if necessary.  Cornus controversa 'Variegata; is grown most often for its tiered layers - occasional corrective pruning (ie removing an errant 'leader' or main shoot) may need to take place. The shrubbier plants with coloured stems are best pruned every year or second year in late winter. This way you get the benefit of the colourful stems over the winter, and then plenty of time for re-growth over the growing season.

See our selection of Cornus / Dogwood plants, including bare root Cornus at a very good price.