Golden Shadows® Pagoda Dogwood

Make a memorable, elegant statement in your landscape with Golden Shadows® pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia). This small tree gets the name “pagoda dogwood” from its strongly horizontal branching which give it a distinctive look that does indeed resemble the famous pagodas of Japan. Bedecking these branches are elegant variegated leaves that emerge orange and soon develop a mélange of cheery yellow and emerald green. In spring, clusters of white flowers are held above the branches for a truly unforgettable display you’ll look forward to every year.

Though it sounds like Golden Shadows dogwood would hail from a faraway place, it is native to North America and brings with it excellent durability, hardiness (down to USDA zone 3), and heat tolerance (through USDA zone 8). As it grows in the understory of the forests of the eastern half of the US and Canada, it’s also far more shade tolerant than one might expect, and its golden foliage lights up dim spaces. This spectacular small tree deserves pride of place in your landscape or garden, where it will get you compliments for a lifetime.

Golden Shadows dogwood is part of the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Trees program.

Additional information

Dimensions10 × 10 ft
Botanical Name

Cornus alternifolia 'Wstackman' PP#11,287

Zone

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Foliage Color

Green, Variegated, Yellow

Height

10-12'

Width/Spread

10-12'

Exposure

Full Sun, Part Shade

Soil

Average, Moist, Well-drained

Bloom Time

Spring

Uses

Foundations, Shade tree, Specimen, Woodland gardens

Features

Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Deer resistant, Foliage interest, Native, Tree

Breeder

Don Shadow

Blooms On

Old wood

SKU: 17500 Categories: , , ,

Plant Care

Light: Part sun (4-6 hrs sun/day, or filtered light all day)

Soil: Any average, well-drained soil will do. Avoid excessively wet or excessively dry conditions.

Water: Average water needs.

Fertilizing: If desired, fertilize in early spring using a granular (not liquid) fertilizer formulated for woody plants, like a rose or tree fertilizer. One application a year is sufficient in most areas. However, if you are starting with a very small plant, you may wish to fertilize monthly through late July to encourage more rapid growth.

Pruning: Little needed. You may selectively prune out branches to achieve a desired shape and habit as needed, but Golden Shadows dogwood should take on an attractive form without the need for pruning or training.