Cornus controversa Giant dogwood

Cornaceae

Cornus controversa Giant dogwood

Small tree, its hallmark being the horizontal branches, growing in layers. In its natural surroundings it can attain a height of 15 m. The crown can be as wide as it is high. The twigs change from red brown to grey. The alternate leaf is irregular in shape and size and has a shiny dark green colour. The underside is strikingly blue green. In autumn it turns into purple red. The umbel clusters can become 15 cm across. They are short-stalked and are arranged along the horizontal branches. The many, dark-blue berries appear in autumn. In the Netherlands the fruit crop is infrequent and certainly not guaranteed. Shallow rooting with a fibrous root system. Due to an early flow of sap, pruning should take place in summer or in autumn.
Our trees can only be planted when they don't have any leaves. Due to the this we will start delivering again from November 2025.
Availability
Specifications
Download PDF
Height
6 – 8 (15) m
Width
6-8m
Crown
round, branching in layers, half-open crown, capricious growing
Bark and branches
green brown with shallow veins
Leaf
wide ovate to wide oval, green, 8 – 15 cm
Autumn colour
red, purple
Flowers
cream♂ white, in umbel clusters, May/June
Fruits
small dark-blue berry
Spines/thorns
None
Toxicity
usually not toxic to people, (large) pets and livestock
Soil type
all, if well-drained, no dry sandy soil
Paving
tolerates no paving
Winter hardiness zone
6b (-20,5 to -17,8 °C)
Wind resistance
good
Other resistances
resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6), can withstand wind
Fauna tree
valuable for bees (honey plant), valuable for butterflies, provides food for birds
Application
tree containers, small gardens, patio gardens
Shape
clearstem tree, multi-stem treem
Origin
Japan, Korea, China
Clear stem tree Multi-stem tree acid soil clay soil loamy soil peaty soil sandy soil tolerates no paving resistant to frost (WH 1 - 6) suitable for shadow can withstand wind 3rd size, smaller than 6 metres half-open crown green May average growing Conspicuous bloom Attractive autumn colour valuable for bees (honey plant) valuable for butterflies provides food for birds non-toxic (usually) Capricious growing Ornamental fruit playground tree
Frequently asked questions
Cornus controversa

Cornus controversa can eventually reach a height of 6 – 8 (15) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

Cornus controversa is average growing and can eventually reach a height of 6 – 8 (15) m, depending on the site and climate conditions.

The leaves of Cornus controversa turn red, purple in autumn.

The right time to plant Cornus controversa is during the dormancy period. In Western Europe, Cornus controversa with root balls can generally be planted from mid-November to late April, although this depends strongly on the climatic conditions and the species of tree.

Cornus controversa blooms in may.
General

Yes, we deliver to the UK. Delivery costs depend on the region and the total order value. Below, you’ll find all the details.

Delivery charges for private customers are calculated based on your region and are visible during the checkout process. We also offer discounts based on the total value of your order:

  • Orders over £1,000: Receive a 50% discount on delivery costs.
  • Orders over £2,000: Delivery is completely free.

Yes, for trees with a size of 50-60 cm girth or larger, additional delivery charges apply due to the need for specialised transport. These costs will be calculated separately and shared with you after your order is placed. We will contact you to discuss the transport options and costs.

Once you add items to your basket and proceed to the checkout, the system will calculate the delivery charges for your region. If your order qualifies for any discounts, they will automatically be applied.

For any questions or specific delivery requests, feel free to contact our customer service team. We’re happy to help arrange the best delivery solution for your order.