What soil does Pagoda dogwood grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, acidic.

Is Pagoda dogwood hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Pagoda dogwood be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Pagoda dogwood need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Pagoda dogwood

Cornus alternifolia

Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a shrub. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about HUF 20,000.

Illustration of Pagoda dogwood — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

The smaller cousin of the wedding cake tree: a multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree with horizontal, tiered branches, fragrant creamy white flower heads in late May and June, then blue-black berries on red stalks and reddish autumn leaves. It is sold almost only as variegated forms (white-edged 'Argentea', yellow-edged 'Golden Shadows'), which grow more slowly and stay around 2 to 3 m. It belongs in part shade in cool, humus-rich, acidic to neutral, evenly moist soil; mulch the root zone, because it dislikes soil that heats up and dries out.

Watch out for

In Central Europe summer heat and drought are the main problem: it comes from cool-summer climates, the variegated leaves scorch in hot sun and a plant that dries out is weakened. Plants stressed by heat and drought are attacked by golden canker, which turns the bark of branches bright yellow with orange spots, kills the branch and can kill the whole plant once it reaches the trunk; diseased branches must be cut back to healthy wood. Leaf spot, twig blight and, in waterlogged soil, root rot also occur. It does not tolerate salt and, being shallow-rooted, resents transplanting.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 2.5 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2.5 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	3–7.6 m × 2.5–9.7 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	300 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Non-toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 20,000

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. HUF 20,000

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

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