Cornelian Cherry: The Elegant, Flowering Hedge You Didn’t Know You Needed
If you're looking for a hedge that goes beyond function and adds true four-season beauty to your landscape, the Cornelian cherry is a showstopper. Often overlooked in favor of more traditional evergreen hedges, this deciduous dogwood offers an exceptional balance of aesthetic value and practicality. From early yellow blooms that announce spring’s arrival to edible red fruits in summer and fiery fall foliage, the Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) is a hedge that performs in every season. Let's explore why this underappreciated gem deserves a prominent place in your garden or landscape design. What Is the Cornelian Cherry? The Cornelian cherry is not actually a cherry but a member of the dogwood family (Cornaceae). Native to Europe and Western Asia, it’s a deciduous shrub or small tree that grows upright and dense, making it an ideal candidate for use as a hedge. Reaching heights of 12 to 15 feet with a spread of about 6 to 10 feet, Cornus mas offers excellent structure...