Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) SHAN

The large-fruited dogwood and its variety Shan (Cornus mas Shan) is an interesting variety of dogwood that originated in Bulgaria. The grower is particularly attracted by the approximately 2,5 cm large, darker red, elongated, oval-shaped fruits weighing up to 4,5 g. When ripening at the end of August or during September, they gradually darken further. This is also a signal of ripeness. It is a representative of the dogwood varieties, with large, tasty, sweet-tasting fruit. It is sweeter than many other much better-known varieties with a longer tradition of cultivation in this country. The sweet and sour flavour notes and aromas typical of 'drieň' are preserved. They contain a single stone. They are rich in vitamin C and can be used in both hot and cold cuisine. They are popular in jams, syrups and compotes. The benefits of the whole plant are well known in folk medicine, but also in the production of fruit spirit - drienkovica. 

Suitable position for the dogwood is sunny or semi-shade. Despite its low soil requirements, it particularly appreciates a permeable and clay-free soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH. Watering is advisable during drought and when the plant is very young. At maturity, the shrub will reach a size of around 3 to 4 metres and a width of over 2 metres. It does not require pruning or cutting unless it is necessary to cut back the shape or remove dry and damaged branches. Known for its hard wood and slow growth, the shrub is a very frost-resistant species that is also resistant to disease and pests. Hardiness is quoted as low as -40°, which makes the variety a suitable garden inhabitant even in the northern and foothill regions of Slovakia. The dogwood can be grown as a shrub or as a tree. Shaping it into a tree requires leaving the main straight branch and cleaning it of the side shoots and lower branches. Alternatively, it is possible to choose a multi-trunked tree and keep the lower part of the trunk clean. 

The variety is suitable for organic cultivation and its hardiness characteristics are often highlighted as an important virtue. It is a suitable choice for the discerning grower interested in minimising chemical intervention as well as the time and cost consumed in preventative protection and wintering. As a plant supplied rooted in a container, it can be planted in the garden at any time of the year, outside of the frozen months, without disturbing the roots.