Celestial Shadow Dogwood

Celestial Shadow Dogwood (Cornus x rutgersensis 'Celestial Shadow')

Celestial Shadow Dogwood (Cornus x rutgersensis 'Celestial Shadow') is a standout Rutgers hybrid that marries creamy white spring bracts with bold, golden edged foliage for four season impact. Bred from Cornus kousa and Cornus florida, it features vigorous growth, a clean rounded habit, and excellent disease resistance, delivering luminous color and refined structure from spring bloom through vivid fall foliage and attractive winter branching.

Distinctive Features

Leaves emerge with bright yellow margins framing deep green centers, creating a marbled, high contrast canopy that intensifies through summer. In late spring to early summer, showy creamy white bracts open amid the fresh foliage for a layered, dramatic effect. Autumn brings brilliant tones of red, orange, and pink, while the tidy, rounded framework provides winter elegance. A sterile selection, it produces no fruit, keeping the canopy focused on foliage and bloom.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil is ideal.
• Water: Moderate; maintain even moisture during establishment.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Variegated foliage and layered bloom create a striking centerpiece.
• Specimen Tree: Perfect for front lawns, entries, and featured beds.
• Mixed Borders: Provides multi season contrast with dark evergreens and bold perennials.
• Shade Gardens: Brightens dappled sites with light toned leaves.
• Urban Landscapes: Clean habit and disease resistance suit residential and commercial plantings.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist the first 1 to 2 seasons; more tolerant once established.
• Pruning: Minimal; prune after flowering to maintain structure and remove crossing wood.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer or compost in spring if growth is light.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 to 3 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and protect roots.
• Protection: Naturally resistant to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew; ensure good drainage and airflow.

Why Choose Celestial Shadow Dogwood?

• Unique Variegation: Golden edged leaves offer season long brightness and contrast.
• Reliable Bloom: Creamy white bracts arrive in late spring and persist for weeks.
• Exceptional Fall Color: Fiery reds, oranges, and pinks extend the show.
• Disease Resistance: Rutgers breeding for long term health and vigor.
• Clean and Tidy: Sterile habit avoids fruit drop for low maintenance beauty.

Cornus x rutgersensis 'Celestial Shadow' delivers luminous foliage, graceful bloom, and a polished silhouette in a resilient package, making it an ideal focal point for landscapes that value multi season beauty with minimal fuss.