Golden Shadows® Pagoda Dogwood

Light Needs

Full Shade to Partial Shade

(0 - 4 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10-12 Feet

Mature Spread

10-12 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Gardeners hear about layering in the landscape all the time and Golden Shadows pagoda dogwood gets the job done. Dogwoods generally have strong horizontal branching and this one fills that role and more. It has gold and green variegated leaves to add to its beauty. Even in winter, the tree’s horizontal branching adds beauty to the landscape. Golden Shadows gets 10 to 12 feet tall and wide.

Golden Shadows is striking as a specimen or focal point in the landscape. It’s a perfect size, too, for planting under utility lines. In spring, it has lacy white flowers. In summer, attractive dark fruit forms and looks lovely next to the tree’s pink tinged leaves of fall. Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is deer resistant. If you look at the branches of this tree, you’ll note the leaves are alternative, which is described in its scientific name. Although pagoda dogwood is its common name, it is a North America native plant. Its common name pagoda reflects the tree growth pattern, which is similar to the shape of the Asian religious structures.

Golden Shadows® Pagoda Dogwood Care

Plant in light shade or morning sun. The hotter your climate, the more shade the tree will need. The plant has average water needs and does not require fertilizer. If you do want to add fertilizer, add a slow release fertilizer in the spring according to directions.

Pruning Golden Shadows dogwood is not necessary. But, if there should be an occasional reversion to all green leaves, you can cut out that branch. This is normal in many plants with variegated leaves.

Golden Shadows® Pagoda Dogwood Spacing

Take into account the mature height and width of this plant. Golden Shadows, like most pagoda dogwoods, will have a wide stance. Planting for its mature height and width reduces or eliminates any pruning duties. It could be used as a thriller in a large container for a season or two, but eventually the tree may need transplanting to the ground.