Cornus Mas Aurea Cornelian Cherry

Cornus Mas Aurea or Cornelian Cherry Aurea               
The Aurea variety of Cornus Mas Cornelian Cherry, can be grown as a small tree or a deciduous shrub. One of the most popular flowering dogwood varieties, the Cornus Mas Aurea cultivar is prized for its display of very attractive golden-yellow foliage and masses of small blossoms.

Throughout the seasons, bright yellow-green leaves offer interest, turning to spectacular tones of pink, red and orange in the autumn. Late in the winter, when little else in the garden offers interest, Cornus Mas Aurea blossoms profusely. The minuscule bright yellow flowers are borne in round umbels, completely enveloping the bare greyish stems through to summer, when they’re replaced by cherry-like fruits. Red, oval and glossy, the fruits are not only highly decorative but edible as well. Rich in vitamin C, fruits of this cultivar can be used for making various preserves.

Cornelian Cherry Aurea is easy to grow and to care for. This tall, multi-stemmed shrub will thrive in any well-drained soil, both in full sun and partial shade. For best results, make sure to avoid locations where scorching sun can damage the foliage and pick a spot with some light shade throughout the day. 

A European native, Cornus Mas Aurea feels at home in the United Kingdom. Fully hardy, this tough cultivar won’t need sheltering from frost, even if the temperatures drop to 20 degrees below zero. Considered pest and disease free, this flowering shrub is also maintenance-free. It can be grown as a large shrub or pruned to encourage a small tree shape. The ultimate height and width of an established specimen vary between 4 and 8 metres. Routine pruning is not required.

Its exceptional features and reliable performance in the garden earned this cultivar the coveted Award of Garden Merit by Royal Horticultural Society, as well as Perfect for Pollinators badge.
As it offers multiple seasons of interest, Cornelian Cherry Aurea is a great candidate for a specimen plant. Its colourful foliage and prolific display of tiny blossoms add brightness to any landscape. Versatile and adaptable, this cultivar can also find its place in mixed shrub borders, especially when paired with other flowering dogwood varieties or evergreen plants. 

You might also be interested in different Cornus varieties we offer, including Cornus Florida Clear Moon, Cornus Kousa Szechuan Strawberry or Cornus Kousa Miss Satomi.