Cornus x Norman Haddon 12Ltr pot

Cornus 'Norman Hadden' (12L Pot)

A true garden aristocrat, this graceful dogwood was a chance discovery in a Somerset garden in the 1950s — a natural cross between the Japanese Cornus kousa and the Himalayan Cornus capitata. The result is a broad, spreading small tree with a nearly evergreen habit, holding much of its dark green foliage through mild winters before it turns rich crimson and orange in autumn.

In early summer, the branches are smothered in large, star-shaped flowerheads made up of creamy-white bracts that age gracefully to soft pink, followed by pendulous, strawberry-like fruits in late summer — edible, and a magnet for birds. This variety holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit, a mark of its reliability and garden-worthiness.

Given time, it will reach a generous 6–8m in height and spread, so allow plenty of room when planting. It thrives in moist, well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade, and tolerates a wide range of soil types including chalk, clay, loam and sand. Little pruning is needed beyond removing any dead or damaged wood.

Supplied as a well-established plant in a 12-litre pot, ready to plant out and establish quickly.