The robust and easy-care cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is not a cherry, but a dogwood plant. This fruit tree should always have a place in a natural garden, whether as a single tree or in the hedge.
What varieties of cornelian cherry are there?
Popular varieties of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) are Devin, Elegantissima, Golden Glory, Jantarnyi, Kazanlaker, Macrocarpa, Pioneer, Schönbrunner Gourmetdirndl, Variegata, Jolico and Tierlibaum. These varieties differ in height, fruit color, ripening time and special features such as foliage color or fruit size.
The meaning of the Latin name
The Latin name of the cornelian cherry is Cornus mas. Cornu means “hard as wood”, mas means male. The name refers to the hard wood of cornelian cherries.
The fruit tree grows very slowly and takes many years until it produces its first significant harvests.
Flowering and harvest time
The yellow blossom of the cornelian cherry begins in February and continues until April.
The fruits are ready to harvest from the end of August, depending on the variety. Very late varieties only ripen in October.
All cornelian cherry varieties are hardy
Cornelian cherries are robust, tolerate pruning and are easy to care for. They also thrive in rather poor locations. Not even road s alt bothers them much.
The shrubs are absolutely hardy and do not need any winter protection.
Cornelian cherries fertilize themselves
Even though cornelian cherries are monoecious with hermaphrodite flowers, you should plant at least two trees in the garden - at least if you want to harvest the sweet and sour fruits for consumption.
The yield from two cornelian cherries is much greater than if you only grow one plant in the garden.
Small introduction to well-known and little-known varieties
| Variety name | Height / Width | Fruit | Special features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devin | up to 450 cm | dark red | ripenes late |
| Elegantissima | up to 300 cm | yellow | yellow-variegated foliage |
| Golden Glory | up to 600 cm | yellow | good hedge plant |
| Yantarnyi | up to 300 cm | golden yellow | big, sweet fruits |
| Kazanlaker | up to 700 cm | bright red | big fruits |
| Macrocarpa | up to 500 cm | red | pear-shaped fruits |
| Pioneer | up to 600 cm | dark red | big fruits |
| Schönbrunner gourmet dirndl | up to 600 cm | red | sweet, edible raw |
| Variegata | up to 600 / 400 cm | red | white-edged leaves |
| Jolico | up to 500 / 400 cm | red | sweet fruit |
| Tierlibaum | up to 500 / 200 cm | dark red | cherry-sized fruit |
Tip
The wood of the cornelian cherry is considered one of the hardest woods in Europe. It is so heavy that instead of floating on the water, it sinks. In the past, hammer handles and walking sticks were made from it.