Japanese cornelian cherry
Cornus officinalis · Cornaceae
📷 Philipp Franz von Siebold and Joseph Gerhard Zuccarini · Public domain
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around japanese cornelian cherry and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Scientific name
- Cornus officinalis
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- March to April (early yellow flowers)
- Mature size
- 4 to 5 meters in height
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- China, Japan, Korea
- Soil type
- Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
- Edibility
- Fruits edible when ripe
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cornelian cherry thrives better in fresh soil, in full sun, with a compatible specimen nearby for cross-pollination.
The common mistake
Leaving it in poor, dry soil reduces leaf size and fruit quantity.
The pro's trick
Harvest the fruits when they're deep red and soft to the touch.
Seasonal watch
In dry summers, water at the base to support fruit development.
Care
Sunlight
The officinal dogwood thrives in full sun for abundant flowering and optimal autumn coloring. It tolerates partial shade, but produces fewer flowers and fruits. Plant it in a location sheltered from strong winds, particularly in windy regions.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to promote root establishment. Afterward, water needs are moderate: weekly watering is sufficient during dry periods. In winter and after establishment, reduce watering. Avoid excess water which can lead to fungal diseases.
Soil
Prepare well-drained soil, slightly acidic to neutral, rich in organic matter. Adding compost or potting soil at planting improves establishment. This shrub adapts to different soil textures, but fears chronic waterlogging.
Pruning and shape
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a nice shape. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Moderate pruning encourages branching and promotes flower production the following year. Avoid drastic pruning which weakens the shrub.
Fertilizer and nutrition
In spring, apply a balanced fertilizer or well-decomposed compost at the base. No additional fertilizer is generally necessary in subsequent years in enriched soil. To stimulate fruiting, a potassium application in late summer can be beneficial.
Diseases and pests
The officinal dogwood is generally robust. Watch for fungal leaf spots in very humid conditions: improve air circulation and avoid foliar watering. Serious pests are rare. Good hygiene and planting in good light prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Cornus officinalis has been used for millennia in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. Its bright red fruits, rich in vitamin C, were once called "fruits of longevity" and incorporated into health tonics. Its golden-yellow flowers, appearing very early in spring, also make this shrub a symbol of renewal in Asian culture.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- DogwoodCornus sanguinea
- Cornelian cherryCornus mas
- Red-osier dogwoodCornus sericea
- Giant dogwoodCornus controversa
- Kousa dogwoodCornus kousa
- Hong Kong dogwoodCornus hongkongensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.