A true Dogwood with the common name 'Cornelian Cherry.' Isn't that confusing? This week we are featuring Cornus mas 'Golden Glory' - a beautiful, early spring flowering tree or shrub that brightens the last days of winter and announces the arrival of spring. There are several cultivars of the Cornus mas, or Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, a native of southern Europe and parts of western Asia. One reference states that Cornelian Cherry has been cultivated in England for over 2,000 years. 'Golden Glory' is known for being the heaviest and best flowering of all the cultivars, usually blossoming in February - preceding the bloom of forsythia by several weeks. For about a month, 'Golden Glory' will be covered with yellow flowers - reliably every year without regard to frost. While the individual flowers are tiny, there are so many of them that a stunning display is created. 'Golden Glory' can be grown into a single-stemmed tree or a multi- stemmed shrub, reaching a maximum height of 20-25 feet high by 15 feet wide. The exfoliating bark matures into shades of brown and gray, providing interest in the winter garden and a blank slate for the flowers in the spring. In mid-summer, the rich green foliage is contrasted by small, cherry-red fruits that can be used to make preserves or syrup, unless eaten by the birds. Underplant with lavender flowered Crocus tomasinianus for a great early spring combination. 'Golden Glory' is excellent planted "en masse" on ten foot centers as a deciduous hedge or screen. Planting and Care 'Golden Glory' is very easy to grow and care for. It tolerates almost any soil, even heavy clay, but will be best in a rich, moist, but well-drained soil. Select a location that receives full sun to part shade. 'Golden Glory' is rated as deer-resistant and is also virtually immune to pests and diseases. Tough, adaptable and extremely long-lived, we have seen Cornelian Cherries that are over 70 years old! For best results plant in the fall or spring. Choose a spot in full sun to partial shade. Plant in moist, but well-drained, compost enriched soil. Prune as needed in spring, following blooming. Fertilize with Cottonseed Meal and Kelp Meal in late fall and early spring. Hardy in Zones 4-8. |
