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Description
Cornus Mas Variegata, also known as Variegated Cornelian Cherry, is a beautiful deciduous shrub that belongs to the dogwood family. It is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia and can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The plant produces small yellow flowers in early spring, followed by cherry-red fruits in summer. The foliage of the plant is variegated, with green leaves that have white margins. The plant is popular for its ornamental value and is often used as a specimen plant in gardens and landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
The Cornus Mas Variegata has a variegated foliage that is green with white margins. The leaves are oval-shaped and can grow up to 4 inches long. The plant produces small yellow flowers in early spring, which are followed by cherry-red fruits in summer. The fruits are edible and have a sweet and tart flavor. The plant has a dense and bushy growth habit and can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The plant is often used as a specimen plant in gardens and landscapes due to its ornamental value.
Care Guide
The Cornus Mas Variegata requires moderate care and maintenance. Here are some care tips for the plant:
- Water: The plant requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry season. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Cornus Mas Variegata is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common pests and diseases that may affect the plant:
- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves of the plant.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves of the plant.
Habitat
The Cornus Mas Variegata is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in full sun to partial shade. The plant is often used as a specimen plant in gardens and landscapes due to its ornamental value.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cornus Mas Variegata a drought-tolerant plant?
A: The plant can tolerate some drought, but it prefers regular watering.
Q: Can Cornus Mas Variegata grow in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can grow in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cornus Mas Variegata?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.
Q: Can I eat the fruits of Cornus Mas Variegata?
A: Yes, the fruits of the plant are edible and have a sweet and tart flavor.
Related Plants
- Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
- Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood)
- Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood)
References
- “Cornus mas variegata.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 8 September 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=262290&isprofile=0&basic=Cornus%20mas%20variegata>.
- “Cornus mas variegata.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 8 September 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/128787/Cornus-mas-variegata/Details>.
- “Cornus mas variegata.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 8 September 2021. <https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/variegated-cornelian-cherry>.
