Creeping Dogwood

A superb choice for the woodland garden or acidic shrubbery borders, Cornus canadensis is a rhizomatous, deciduous sub-shrub that creates a low-growing carpet of vibrant green foliage. Reaching a height of only 15cm, it excels as a ground cover beneath taller acid-loving plants like Rhododendrons. In late spring and early summer, it produces small greenish flowers surrounded by four conspicuous, creamy-white bracts that look like stars across the forest floor. These are followed by attractive, though inedible, bright red berries in autumn. As the temperatures drop, the whorled leaves often turn charming shades of reddish-purple before falling. It thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soils in partial to full shade, mirroring its native cool temperate forest habitat. Totally hardy throughout the UK (H7), it requires little maintenance once established but does not tolerate drought or lime-rich soils well. It provides multi-seasonal interest and domestic wildlife value.

Sun: Partial shade.

Soil: Moist, well-drained acidic soil.

Hardiness: H7 — below −20°C.

Flowering: May, Jun, Jul.