Cornaceae
Common Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea
A tough, low-maintenance shrub. Grow in full sun for the brightest winter stem colour, though it tolerates partial shade. Water regularly while establishing; once settled it copes with short dry spells. Prune hard in late winter to encourage vivid new stem growth.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
-20° - 35°C
% - %
Categories
What is Common Dogwood?
Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a easy-care plant from the Cornaceae family. Common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a hardy deciduous shrub native to Europe and western Asia, prized for its vivid red winter stems and adaptability. Clusters of small white flowers appear in late spring to summer, followed by black berries, with foliage turning red-purple in autumn.
Common Dogwood grows up to 2.5m, spread of 250cm, watering every 7 days, -20°C – 35°C. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Common Dogwood tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Common Dogwood is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Common Dogwood?
TLDR: Common Dogwood needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between -20-35°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Common Dogwood?
Keep soil evenly moist during the first year after planting; established plants only need watering in prolonged drought.
How Much Light Does Common Dogwood Need?
Full sun to partial shade; more sun intensifies the red winter stem colour.
What Is the Best Soil for Common Dogwood?
Tolerant of most soil types (sandy, clay, chalk, loam) as long as it is reasonably well drained.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Common Dogwood and Where Does It Come From?
Common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a hardy deciduous shrub native to Europe and western Asia, prized for its vivid red winter stems and adaptability. Clusters of small white flowers appear in late spring to summer, followed by black berries, with foliage turning red-purple in autumn.
How Big Does Common Dogwood Grow?
TLDR: Common Dogwood can reach up to 2.5m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
2.5m
Spread
2.5m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Common Dogwood?
TLDR: Common Dogwood is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by fungi in the genus Colletotrichum that affects many plants, including vegetables, fruits, and trees. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions, causing dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits.
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a common fungal disease caused by various pathogens including Alternaria, Ascochyta, Colletotrichum, Septoria, and Venturia. It primarily affects leaves, causing discolored spots that can lead to premature leaf drop if left untreated.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Fun Facts
Stems turn vivid red in winter, especially after annual hard pruning.
The species name "sanguinea" refers to the blood-red colour of the stems and sap, not toxicity.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
