Cornelian Cherry Dogwood Cornus mas 'Golden Glory'

Water

For the Cornelian cherry 'Golden Glory', it needs consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. In the first growing season, water deeply once a week to establish an extensive root system. Use about 1-2 gallons per watering session, depending on the size and soil conditions. As it matures, water needs may lessen, but the tree still requires regular watering, particularly in prolonged periods of drought or extreme heat. Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Light

The Cornelian cherry 'Golden Glory' thrives in full sun to partial shade. An ideal spot is where it can receive at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily while being protected from the harsh afternoon sun. So, a location with morning sun and dappled afternoon shade could be perfect to promote a healthy growth and abundant flowering.

Temperature

The Cornelian cherry 'Golden Glory' is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. It is tolerant to cold, surviving temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, and can handle the heat up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, this deciduous shrub prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and fruit production. Ensure that the plant is mulched well to help protect roots in extreme temperatures.

Pruning

Pruning the Cornelian cherry 'Golden Glory' is essential for maintaining shape and removing dead or diseased branches. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Thinning out overcrowded branches every few years helps to ensure adequate light and air circulation, which can reduce disease incidence. Occasional removal of older stems also encourages the growth of young, more vigorous branches with better flower and fruit production.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas 'Golden Glory') thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that contains equal parts loamy soil, peat moss or compost, and coarse sand or perlite is ideal. The preferred soil pH for the Cornelian Cherry is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0.

Repotting

Cornelian Cherry ('Golden Glory') is a woody shrub and doesn’t require frequent repotting. It is typically planted outdoors and doesn't need repotting if given sufficient space to grow. If grown in a container, repotting might be necessary every 3 to 5 years to provide fresh soil and additional room for root growth.

Humidity & Misting

The Cornelian Cherry ('Golden Glory') is adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require high humidity. Average outdoor humidity levels are sufficient for this plant, as it is tolerant of the seasonal changes typical of temperate climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and well-draining soil for indoor growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA.

Life cycle

Cornelian cherry 'Golden Glory' begins its lifecycle as a dormant seed that requires stratification to break dormancy and germinate, typically in spring. Once germinated, the seedling grows into a young plant with a strong taproot and starts developing leaves and a woody stem. As it matures, it enters a vegetative stage, characterized by the growth of foliage and roots, and eventually forms a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. After a few years of growth, the Cornelian cherry 'Golden Glory' reaches reproductive maturity and begins to produce yellow flowers in late winter to early spring before the leaves unfold, which are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, it develops small, oval red fruits by late summer that are edible and attractive to wildlife. Throughout its lifetime, the plant experiences annual cycles of growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy, usually with an increase in size and production each year until it reaches its full mature size, after which it maintains size through a balance of new growth and natural attrition of older stems.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Early Spring

• The Cornelian cherry 'Golden Glory' can be propagated most popularly through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically performed during the late spring or early summer when new growth is still supple. To propagate, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4-6 inch (about 10-15 cm) length, ensuring that there are at least two or three sets of leaves. The bottom set of leaves should be removed and the cut end dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where the leaves were removed are buried. The environment should be kept humid by covering the cutting with a plastic bag or dome and placed in indirect light. Roots usually develop within 4 to 8 weeks, after which the new 'Golden Glory' plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before transplanting.