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Description
Cornus Alba Aurea, commonly known as Golden Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Dogwood family. It is native to Siberia, Northern China, and Korea. This plant is known for its beautiful golden-yellow foliage that adds color to any landscape. It grows up to 10 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for borders or hedges. The Cornus Alba Aurea’s bright stems provide a striking contrast to the winter landscape, making it a popular choice for winter gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
The Cornus Alba Aurea’s leaves are ovate, golden yellow, and turn to a deeper shade of red in the fall. The plant produces small clusters of white flowers in the spring, followed by white berries in the summer. The bark is bright red and provides a beautiful contrast to the yellow foliage. This plant is an excellent choice for adding color to a garden or landscape.
Care Guide
The Cornus Alba Aurea is easy to care for and can thrive in most soil types. It prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
- Soil: The Cornus Alba Aurea grows well in most soil types but prefers well-drained soil. Avoid planting in soil that is too wet or heavy.
- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Avoid planting in areas with full shade as it can lead to leggy growth.
- Hardiness Zones: The Cornus Alba Aurea can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cornus Alba Aurea is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can occasionally suffer from the following:
- Aphids: These tiny insects can cause stunted growth and damage to leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes black spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with fungicide.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. Treat with fungicide.
Habitat
The Cornus Alba Aurea is native to Siberia, Northern China, and Korea. It grows well in temperate climates and is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 2-7. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
- Q: Can the Cornus Alba Aurea grow in containers?
- A: Yes, this plant can grow in containers but may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
- Q: When is the best time to prune the Cornus Alba Aurea?
- A: Prune in late winter or early spring before the plant begins to leaf out.
- Q: Can the Cornus Alba Aurea be propagated from cuttings?
- A: Yes, this plant can be propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in the summer or fall.
- Q: Does the Cornus Alba Aurea attract wildlife?
- A: Yes, the berries produced by this plant are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Related Plants
- Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’
- Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’
- Cornus controversa ‘Variegata’
- Cornus kousa
References
- “Cornus alba Aurea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c270.
- “Cornus alba Aurea.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/18382/Cornus-alba-Aurea/Details.
- “Golden-Twig Dogwood.” The Spruce, www.thespruce.com/golden-twig-dogwood-growing-profile-4843617.
