Cornus Norman Hadden - Flowering Dogwood

Cornus Norman Hadden is a splendid small tree with an architectural habit, very floriferous, possessing extraordinary ornamental qualities. Its astonishing flowering begins in May and does not end until July, in the form of large slender bracts forming a flower-like structure. Initially creamy white the flower gradually turns to a deep pink, especially as the bush ages. Then come the edible and decorative fruits, resembling strawberries or large raspberries. They are accompanied by the first leaves, which turn yellow and red. Winter reveals more of its dark and cracked branches, which are quite characteristic. Plant it at the back of flower beds or as a standalone specimen: a guaranteed spectacle almost all year round!

Cornus Norman Hadden is a hybrid horticultural variety resulting from the cross-breeding between Cornus kousa, native to China, Japan and Korea, and Cornus capitata, a large evergreen Himalayan dogwood, quite frost-sensitive. All these plants belong to the Cornaceae family.

'Norman Hadden' is naturally semi-evergreen and can become evergreen in mild climates. It has a wide, generally conical habit, supported by arched branches. Its trunk has a very dark and cracked bark. Of medium growth, it reaches a height of 4 to 6 m (13 ft 1 in to 19 ft 8 in) with a spread of 3 to 4 m (9 ft 10 in to 13 ft 1 in). Its foliage is composed of ovate and pointed, bright green leaves, with wavy edges and prominent veins, measuring 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3.1 in) in length. In autumn, depending on the soil and climate, its foliage takes on beautiful shades of yellow, pink, or pale red. From May to August, it is covered with tiny green flowers, 0.5 to 1 cm (0.2 to 0.4 in) in diameter, grouped in clusters, each surrounded by four pointed bracts, 3 to 5 cm (1.2 to 2 in) long, creamy white, turning pink over time. In late summer, the flowers develop into small fleshy, round, red fruits resembling strawberries. Its growth starts quite late in spring. Good sunlight at the end of the season is essential for the ripening of its wood, which will allow it to withstand frost.

This dogwood requires little maintenance and has moderate growth and a well-balanced habit. It is a magnificent specimen to plant as a standalone tree in a small garden, preferably in a non-chalky and moist soil. 'Norman Hadden' can be planted in full, non-scorching sun or partial shade. It will be perfect in the middle or background of an ericaceous bed, alongside hydrangeas, rhododendrons, summer-flowering shrubs, and/or colourful foliage. Placed in the foreground, under the cover of tall trees, its magnificent variegated foliage will spectacularly illuminate dark green evergreen foliage. It will also blend well with Japanese maples, windflowers, or small magnolias.