The cornel is particularly widespread in southern Europe. But the large shrub also thrives here with the right care.
The cornel (Cornus mas) belongs to the dogwood family and is also known under the names Herlitze, Dirndling, Hirlnuss or Tierlibaum. The large shrubs are particularly widespread in southern Europe. There they reach heights of growth between four and eight meters. The plant has also been native to our latitudes for centuries and has partially grown wild from the gardens.
The shrubs grow very slowly and can become more than 100 years old. The long and eye-catching blossom makes the cornel a popular eye-catcher in the garden, which is still late in winter. The plant can also be cut as a hedge. In the home garden, the attractive early bloomer meets with witch hazel and forsythia.
Distribution of Cornus
The actual distribution area of the cornel is in the eastern Mediterranean. The plants are mainly found in Turkey or in the Caucasus region. Significant occurrences can also be reported from Luxembourg, southern Russia and southern Belgium. In Germany, cornelian cherries are increasingly found in the Jena area or in the Rhine and Moselle areas. There, the plant is often found in the immediate vicinity of ivy, hornbeam, hazelnut bushes or rose species. In North Rhine-Westphalia, the plant has even been included in the Red List of Endangered Species.
| Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 10 - 30 cm a year |
| Growth: | 300 - 500 cm |
| Growth: | 250 - 350 cm |
| Root system: | Herzwurzler |
| Location: | sun to shade |
| Floor: | fresh loamy and humus soils, likes lime |
A look into the history books
As excavation finds show, the cornelian cherry was already used in the Neolithic Age. Layers of cornus seeds have been found in Italian stilt-dwelling villages, suggesting that the plant was used by ancient people as foodserved. Wood was also of great importance in ancient times. According to the Greek writer Pausanias, the Trojan horse is said to have been made of cornel wood. In ancient Rome, spears and lances were also made from the hardwood. Homer, on the other hand, mentioned the cornel as a preferred food for pigs.
Use of cornel
Even if the use of the plant today is mostly limited to the ornamental tree with its eye-catching flowers, our ancestors used the fruits as well as the wood, the bark, the leaves and the flowers. Fruit brandies, juices and jams were made from the fruits. Knife handles, cobbler's nails, wheel spokes and various tools were made from the remarkably hard wood of the cornelian cherry. The bark is said to have a fever-reducing effect and the fruits were also used in naturopathy to relieve gastrointestinal problems. In Turkey, the ripe fruits are also pickled in vinegar and oil and eaten like olives. In addition, jam and jelly can be made from the fruits of the cornel.
Types of Cornus
As the following overview shows, there is a whole range of cultivated forms of the cornel, which have some differences in flower, fruit and growth habit.
| Cornelian types | Special Features |
|---|---|
| Alba | ❍ grows very slowly ❍ only gets about five meters tall ❍ fruits almost white |
| Aurea | ❍ yellow leaves ❍ red fruits |
| Jolico | ❍ yellow flowers ❍ large, red fruits ❍ ripening from August |
| Pyramidalis | ❍ rare plant ❍ upright growth ❍ spherical fruits |
| Shan | ❍ remarkably large buds ❍ richly bearing ❍ large fruits |
| Variegata | ❍ leaves with a white border ❍ only grows up to four meters high ❍ small, red fruits |
| Violacea | ❍ very old variety ❍ very rare ❍ purple fruits |
When does the cornel blossom?
The cornel surprises with its early flowering. In our latitudes, the yellow flowers appear as early as March. In southern Germany, sometimes even from the end of February and thus often before the forsythia bush.
The golden-yellow flowers are extremely decorative and, like all dogwood plants, have four petals. They burst even before the leavesflower buds up. These are produced in autumn. Leaf and flower buds differed in shape. While the leaf buds are formed in spring and tend to be elongated, the flower buds that appear in autumn are spherical in shape.
Planting cornelian cherries - all facts at a glance
If you want to plant cornelian cherries, you should note that they are heart roots. The plants therefore do not have conventional root balls. They grow almost vertically into the ground with their main roots. In addition, several rootings develop, which spread out radially around the main roots. This guarantees the stability of the cornelian cherry. You will therefore often be offered the plants in the trade as container plants.
The cornelian cherry is quite robust and is preferred planted in autumn. The cornelian cherry then has enough time to develop its characteristic roots and grow well by winter.
❍ Location
The cornelian cherry makes few demands on its location. However, a shady spot would be less beneficial for the plant, because cornel cherries love warmth. A sunny and warm location is therefore ideal. The plant also tolerates partial shade. Windy locations are also no problem for the robust plant. Heat and drought are largely tolerated.
❍ Ground
Cornelian cherries do not like dry soil, but neither do they like too wet soil and can react sensitively to waterlogging. However, the plant generally tolerates prolonged drought better than prolonged wet conditions. It is therefore important to find a good middle ground. You can best prevent waterlogging, for example, by creating a drainage system made of stones or clay. Cornus cherries have a preference for calcareous soils, but also tolerate slightly acidic substrates.
❍ Planting Instructions
The best time to plant cornelian cherries is in autumn. After finding the suitable location, simply do the following:
- Dig the planting hole. When planting hedges, keep a planting distance of about 80 centimeters.
- Insert the plant and shake it so that the soil is evenly distributed.
- Close the planting hole and work the compost into the soil.
- Water well afterwards.
Caring for cornelian cherries - this is how you do it right
❍ casting:
Since the plant tolerates drought better than wet, the shrub can also stand dry for a long time. However, the plant will then restrict its growth potential andproduce less fruit. If you hope for a rich harvest, you should make sure that the soil is watered regularly. Under no circumstances should waterlogging occur.
❍ Fertilize
The plants are very undemanding and do not need soil that is too rich in nutrients. Fertilizer applications throughout the year are also not necessary. If you mix compost under the soil in spring, the cornus will be supplied with sufficient nutrients.
❍ Pruning
The cornelian cherry grows very slowly and therefore does not necessarily have to be cut back. On the other hand, if you want to create the shrubs as a hedge, you will have to deal with the pruning so that the hedge keeps its shape. The plants generally tolerate pruning very well. A pruning also supports flowering and prevents aging. If you regularly remove dead shoots and trim shoots that have grown too long, you ensure well-grown plants that bloom vigorously and bear rich fruit.
The cornus should always be cut immediately after flowering. Then give the plant enough time to form new shoots and set the flower buds for the next season in the fall.
❍ Hibernation
The cornelian cherry is considered hardy, which is why no additional protection is necessary. Foliage can act as a shelter to create a natural barrier against severe frost. During the winter months, you must take special care to ensure that the plant does not come into contact with road s alt. The cornelian cherries are very sensitive to this and can even be damaged years later.
How to propagate cornelian cherries?
Propagation of the cornelian cherry is possible through seeds, cuttings and layering. All three options are explained in more detail here.
❍ Propagation by seeds
Propagation by seeds is not an easy task. The seed would take up to two winters to germinate. This process can be accelerated by storing the seeds in a warm place for about three months. The seeds then have to be stored in the fridge for another three months. The seeds are then placed in plant pots with moist peat and covered with a glass or plastic hood to speed up germination. Sow outdoors in autumn.
❍ Propagation by cuttings
This form of propagation is possible without any problems. In the winter months, simply cut the approximately 20 centimeter long cuttings. AtOn frost-free days, the cuttings can then be planted directly in the ground. You can also overwinter the cuttings cool in moist sand if there is permafrost.
❍ Propagation by planters
In order to propagate by layering, you must first loosen the soil next to the plant. There you pull a channel into which the shoot comes. Then you have to cover the gutter with soil and weigh it down so that the shoot finds a foothold in the ground. The upper end of the shoot remains free and must be attached to a plant stake. This then ensures upright growth. When the sinker has formed enough roots and the first shoots appear, you can separate it from the mother plant. However, it may take several years until then.
Detect pests and diseases in cornus
The plants are generally quite robust and are rarely affected by pests or diseases. Mistakes in care can only lead to the leaves drying out. Shoots and leaves can also be permanently damaged if the roots come into contact with road s alt in winter. Young and weak plants are also occasionally vulnerable to fungal diseases. The following types of damage are most common on the cornelian cherry:
❍ Leaf spot disease
The leaf spot disease is a fungal infection that affects numerous ornamental and useful plants in domestic gardens. The disease manifests itself on the leaves, which develop yellowish to brownish spots. A fruiting body is visible in the middle. The plants appear noticeably weaker and die off after a while if left untreated.
➜ What to do?
- cut back generously (clippings must not be put on the compost!)
- disinfect used tools
- Treatment with Neudo-Vital antifungal protection (e.g. available from Amazon)
- repeated use necessary
Important: The said mushroom preparation does not work in rainy weather.
❍ Mildew:
Infestation with powdery mildew can be recognized by a mealy coating on the leaves. Initially, this coating can be easily wiped off with your fingers. As the disease progresses, the initially white deposits turn gray or brown. The leaves curl up and the plant retards growth.
➜ What to do?
- Horsetail Broth Treatment (Horsetail Broth Recipe)
- Remove affected plant parts generously
- Repeat spraying the plant several times