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White star-shaped bracts of Japanese Dogwood in summerShrubs

Cornus kousa

Japanese Dogwood

Japanese dogwoodornamental treeautumn colourbird-friendlyAsian

Japanese Dogwood is an elegant large shrub or small tree with striking white bracts that sit like stars on the branches in June and July. In autumn, raspberry-shaped red fruits appear and the foliage turns deep crimson. The horizontal branching pattern gives the tree year-round character.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Partial shade, Full sun
Water
Medium
Height
300–600 cm
Spread
300–500 cm
Hardiness zone
5–8
Family
Cornaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
white
Wildlife value
bees, birds

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in partial shade or sun in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. The shrub grows slowly and requires little maintenance. Apply compost in spring and mulch the base with leaf mould. Water during dry spells in the first years.

Pruning tips

Prune as little as possible to preserve the natural, layered growth habit. Only remove dead wood and crossing branches in early spring. The plant tolerates heavy pruning poorly.

Good companions

Purple flower clusters of rhododendron in a shaded gardenShrubs

Rhododendron catawbiense

Rhododendron

The Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub that produces spectacular clusters of purple or pink flowers in May and June above glossy dark-green foliage. The shrub can grow quite large and makes an imposing presence in partial shade. Rhododendrons are iconic in woodland gardens and rural plantings.

Partial shadeMedium150–300 cm
Blue-purple hydrangea flowers in a shaded gardenShrubs

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub with large, globe-shaped flower heads blooming from June through September. The flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil. A sturdy plant that thrives in sheltered spots with partial shade.

Partial shadeMedium100–180 cm
Large blue-green hosta leaves in a shaded gardenPerennials

Hosta sieboldiana

Hosta

Hosta is the quintessential shade plant, valued for its large, blue-green, ribbed leaves. Light purple or white bell-shaped flowers appear on tall stems in July and August. Over the years the plant forms substantial clumps that give a shaded border a lush character.

Full shadeMedium50–90 cm