Cornelian Cherry 'Cornus mas'

The Cornelian Cherry is a highly ornamental and often underutilised small deciduous tree or large shrub, valued for its early display of cheerful yellow flowers that emerge in late winter/early spring before the leaves. These are followed by bright red, olive-shaped fruits that ripen in late summer. While tart when firm, they are edible when fully ripe and make excellent jams, jellies, and sauces. It forms an attractive, multi-stemmed plant with exfoliating bark. It is self-fertile and very hardy, suitable for most UK gardens. Yellow flowers appear in February-March, with fruit ripening in August-September. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Feb, Mar.