Features
Branches grow in layers, giving this large, deciduous tree a tiered appearance when in leaf. The foliage is bright green turning purple in autumn. Clusters of small cream/white flowers appear in summer, followed by attractive fruits which turn from green to pink then to deep purple/black.
What to use it for
A great focal point for a large garden and good for low maintenance gardening. Has wildlife benefit as birds eat the berries.
How to look after it
Requires little or no care beyond the initial training (see below).
How to prune it
Train as a central leader standard tree, keeping the trunk clear for about a quarter or a third of the tree’s height. Once established keep pruning to a minimum, just removing dead, diseased or damaged growth. Any pruning should be carried out from autumn to early spring. It does not like to be hard pruned.
How to propagate it
Seeds can be collected in autumn and sown outdoors immediately or cleaned and refrigerated for 3 to 4 months in moist sand (to break their dormancy) to be sown in late winter or early spring.
Softwood cuttings can be taken in late spring or early summer, or plants can be grafted.
Common problems
Cornus anthracnose and die back can be a problem, as can viral diseases. Horse chestnut scales may also infest the plant.
If planted in an exposed site the wind can effectively ‘prune‘ the windward side of the tree, reducing its growth and giving the plant a lopsided appearance. It is difficult to rectify this once the damage has been done.