How to Care for Cornus officinalis (Japanese Cornel)

Korean name: 산수유

Cornus officinalis is a deciduous tree with oval leaves and yellow flowers blooming early in spring. It grows 3 to 5 meters tall and bears red fruits in autumn. It is relatively easy to care for and suitable as a garden tree.

Key facts

• Category: Garden tree & shrub
• Difficulty: Easy
• Where to keep: outdoors
• Native to: Korea, China, Japan
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Pets: No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.
• Traits: cold hardy, fruit-bearing, garden tree, easy care
• Also known as: Japanese Cornel, Cornelian Cherry

Care Guide

• Light: Prefers full sunlight.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the soil is dry.
• Soil: Well-drained loamy soil is ideal.
• Humidity: Typical indoor humidity is sufficient.
• Temperature: -15 to 30°C
• Fertilizer: Apply slow-release fertilizer lightly in spring and autumn.

Common questions

How often should you water Cornus officinalis?

Water thoroughly when the soil is dry. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Cornus officinalis?

It likes Prefers full sunlight.. You can grow it outdoors. Use Well-drained loamy soil is ideal..

Is Cornus officinalis safe around pets?

No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.

Is Cornus officinalis good for beginners?

Difficulty: Easy. It is forgiving enough for a first plant. Keep it around -15 to 30°C. Humidity: Typical indoor humidity is sufficient.. Fertilise Apply slow-release fertilizer lightly in spring and autumn..