Overview of Cornus ×slavinii Rehd.
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the dogwood family, Cornaceae. It is a hybrid plant resulting from the crossbreeding of Cornus officinalis and Cornus mas. The plant is named after its discoverer, Joseph Slavínský, a Czech botanist who discovered it in the early 1900s in the Hradec Králové region of the Czech Republic.
Common Names for Cornus ×slavinii Rehd.
The plant is commonly known as Slavin's dogwood or Hradec Králové dogwood, in reference to its place of discovery. It is also known as Korean dogwood because of its Cornus officinalis parentage.
Appearance
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. grows up to 5 meters in height and width and blooms in early spring. Its flowers are small, clustered and yellow, with four petals, and give way to edible red fruit. The plant's leaves are elliptical, up to 8 cm long, and dark green, turning red in the fall before shedding in winter. Its bark is brown and has prominent lenticels.
Uses
Slavin's dogwood is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its showy flowers and fall foliage. Its fruit is used to make jams and jellies in its native regions, and its bark has been used in traditional medicine as a febrifuge and anti-inflammatory agent.
Light requirements
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. grows best in full sun to partial shade. Plants grown in partial shade should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Too much shade can lead to weak growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature requirements
This plant is hardy in USDA zones 5-8 and prefers cool to moderate temperatures. It can tolerate cold winters but does not do well in hot, humid climates. Ideally, temperatures should range from 60 to 80 °F (15.5 to 26.5 °C) during the growing season and drop below freezing in the winter to promote dormancy.
Soil requirements
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. prefers acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. However, it does not tolerate overly wet soil or standing water. Adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss to the soil can help improve drainage and fertility.
Cultivation Methods for Cornus ×slavinii Rehd.
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. is a hybrid plant obtained from a cross between Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis. The plant is deciduous and small in size, making it suitable for planting in small gardens or containers. The best time to plant Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. is during the fall or early spring when temperatures are mild. The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It also thrives in areas with partial shade or full sun.
Watering Needs for Cornus ×slavinii Rehd.
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. requires regular watering to establish a healthy root system. During the growing season, the plant should receive at least one to two inches of water per week. However, avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering. During dry spells, increase watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
Fertilization of Cornus ×slavinii Rehd.
Regular fertilization is critical to ensure the growth and health of Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. The best time to fertilize the plant is during the early spring or late fall using a slow-release fertilizer. The fertilizer should be applied at the base of the plant and watered thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use organic fertilizers such as compost or manure, which offer a sustainable and environment-friendly way of providing nutrients to the plant.
Pruning Cornus ×slavinii Rehd.
Pruning is an essential process for maintaining the shape, size, and overall health of Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. The best time to prune the plant is during the late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. During pruning, remove any diseased, dead, or crossing branches. Also, remove any branches that grow below the graft union. To promote branching and flowering, prune the tips of the branches by up to one-third of their length. This will encourage the plant to produce more flower buds, resulting in a beautiful display of blooms during spring.
Propagation of Cornus ×slavinii Rehd.
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. can be propagated through various methods:
Softwood Cuttings
In early summer, take 4-6 inch cuttings from the plant's current year's growth and remove the leaves from the lower two-thirds of the stem. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant them into a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sheltered area with bright, indirect sunlight. After a few weeks, the cuttings should develop roots and can be moved to individual pots or planted directly in the ground.
Hardwood Cuttings
In late fall or early winter, take 8-10 inch cuttings from the previous year's growth and remove any remaining leaves. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant them in a container filled with well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil slightly moist and place the container outdoors in a sheltered area with full to partial sun exposure. In the following spring, transfer the rooted cuttings to individual pots or directly in the ground.
Division
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. can also be propagated through division during the plant's active growth period in spring or fall. Dig up the plant and separate the root ball into smaller sections, each containing a stem and several roots, using a clean, sharp cutting tool. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil mix and keep them well-watered until established.
Seed Propagation
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. can also be propagated from seeds. Collect mature seeds in late summer to fall and sow them in a container filled with a well-draining soil mix. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Place the container in a bright, sheltered area and wait for the seeds to sprout, which may take several weeks to several months. Once the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly in the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Cornus ×slavinii Rehd.
Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. also known as Slavin's dogwood is generally considered a hardy plant with few diseases and pests that pose a significant threat. Proper care and maintenance of the plant can prevent the occurrence of most diseases and pest infestations. However, below are some common problems that can affect the plant, and ways to manage them.
Leaf Spot and Anthracnose
Leaf spot and Anthracnose are common fungal diseases that affect Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. The diseases typically manifest as circular, tan spots on the leaves, which may become larger and merge together, causing defoliation in severe cases. To prevent the occurrence of these diseases, avoid overhead watering and ensure proper air circulation. Clean up and dispose of infected leaves and debris to prevent the spread of fungal spores. Fungicide treatment may be necessary in severe cases.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that usually affects plants in the late summer or early fall. The disease manifests as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To prevent the occurrence of Powdery Mildew, water the plant at its base and ensure proper air circulation. Remove and dispose of infected plant debris, and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To prevent aphid infestations, keep the plant healthy by providing proper care and maintenance. Monitor the plant regularly and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphid populations if necessary.
Scales
Scales are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of the plant, sucking the sap and causing stunted growth. To prevent scale infestations, keep the plant healthy and free from debris. Monitor the plant regularly and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control scale populations if necessary.
Conclusion
Overall, Cornus ×slavinii Rehd. is a hardy plant with few disease and pest threats. However, proper maintenance and care of the plant can prevent the occurrence of most diseases and pest infestations. If problems do arise, prompt intervention with appropriate treatments will help keep the plant healthy and thriving.
