Cornus mas – Niwaki (Cornelian Cherry or Edible Dogwood))

This gnarled and aged Niwaki is about 4m in height and bears its years gracefully throughout every season. The shape and structure have been created over many years and you will be continuing this for many more. Pruning is essential but not onerous, so speak to us for help and advice.

You are but one of a long line of admirers - Cornus mas trees are native to central and southern Europe and have been grown in gardens here since the 1500s. The herbalist Gerard said it was to be found in the gardens "of such as love rare and dainty plants".

Flowers appear on the bare branches in the early spring with massed clusters of tiny, sweetly scented yellow blooms which are later followed by sour red fruits, which have been used to make excellent jam. The leaves are oval in shape, mid green in summer and turning almost purple before falling in the autumn, and it is in the winter that the naked form of your Cornus mas Niwaki stands proud in mist and frost and snow.

It’s a robust plant, so will grow happily in pretty much any moist-but-well-drained soil, in a position in full sun or partial shade. You can grow it in a pot, but it will need a great deal more care and attention than if you can plant it in the ground, or in a raised bed where it can root out and the conditions are more equable.

We don’t suggest that you grow this to enable you to do some woodwork, but Cornus wood is well known for being hard, fine and straight grained. Perfect for handles, skewers, arrow shafts or anything else you care to try.