ABSTRACT
Widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere, from the sub-arctic to the equator, with a small incursion by one or two species into South America and Africa, the Cornels are an important genus of ornamental plants for temperate climates. Many species make successful rootstocks if required; Cornus nuttallii cannot be recommended as the root system invariably succumbs to root disease in the container and/or after planting out. Cornus controversa and C. alternifolia are unreliable once subjected to bottom heat and the stresses of the grafting procedure. Cornus are noticeable for the extreme branching and fibrous nature of their root system. Provided feeding and irrigation are supplied as required to maintain plant health, they may be safely left in rootstock pots for longer periods than many other species. The hot-pipe system produces excellent results and subsequent strong growth for all the Cornus species.
