Cornus canadensis

I thinned out a wooded area off a north facing ridge, with the idea of planting some trees and shrubs that need shade and/or cooler soil. I think this is referred to as "open shade," and anything planted here will get a generous share of sun when directly overhead. Once the trees & shrubs are in place, I'd like to establish a ground cover and was thinking about using this interesting native. I know it has a reputation for being a bit difficult, and I was wondering if anyone has had success getting it established in a woodland garden. I can buy a flat of 18 (4" pots) for $65, which should be sufficient to cover this area. The soil is a loamy sand, acid, and very well drained. Any ideas, suggestions, experiences would be appreciated.

Bob

I ordered more this year. It isn't exactly taking off like gang busters, at least by me it hasn't been. Many factors contributing to this in that last year was the worst drought in around 100 years I believe. In the two years preceding that, we had extremely heavy rains followed by flooding in spring which literally rotted plants in the ground. These floods were then followed by severe drought. Under normal circumstances, Bunchberry would have done just fine by me as the area in which I planted them would be best described as mesic woodland. Your sandy loam that is well drained would concern me in choosing this particular plant. Why don't you purchase only 3 plants and try them out as opposed to an entire flat.

"Why don't you purchase only 3 plants and try them out as opposed to an entire flat."

Because that would make total sense. Duh!

Is really demanding of acidic soil and good drainage, and is not at all amused by heat and humidity.

Scott

I would agree with the heat statements. The good drainage I would not agree with. I've found Bunchberry growing in bog like situations and it was not only surviving but thriving. Moisture seems to be paramount.

This might not be a perfect site for it, but probably worth a try. The fact that none of you have had success with it does concern me, and I'll keep my expectations low. I'm going to take EQ's advice and just plant a few of them towards the back where there's more shade. The soil should also be cooler and a bit more moist. What are the odds this works?

Count me in the group that killed it.

I've got it in the woods and have brought it up close to the house. Where I really want it to grow it gradually disappears. Where I don't care, it is as if I was giving it all it wanted in life. See Maackia, I like the attitude, try three and if it works go whole hog, I'll supply. Ken

Oddball question but what about considering Sanguinaria canadensis. That plant prefers sandy shady areas. Yes, it does like rich and moist but I've never seen that one growing in or near a bog as I have Cornus canadensis. Just a thought. Seeds are spread by ants so it will spread out for you in time.

"Where I really want it to grow it gradually disappears. Where I don't care, it is as if I was giving it all it wanted in life."

I think there's a good garden lesson in that statement.

I was doing some reading in the new book by Shadow & Cappiello (some of you probably know them personally), and they comment on how culturally quirky this plant can be, as it can be found growing "...in soggy bogs; full sun in sandy eskers of eastern Maine; and in the dense, deep shade of spruce and pine woods of the north country..."

I also ran across this: "It needs acidic, well-drained moist soil, & a fair amount of shade with a little morning or afternoon sunlight, & sun should never be so much as to raise the soil temperature above 65 degrees as bunchberry is extremely heat sensitive."

This would lead me to believe that heat and/or soil temp is at least or more important than soil moisture. I've now convinced myself that this is going to work. Thanks to everyone for enabling me. ;)

Well, pull out all the stops and buy the whole tray. Plant them in threes in different areas on your property and every morning before you go to work... walk over to the areas where you have planted them and tell all your Bunchberry plants that the choice is theirs, they can either grow or big and strong for Daddy or end up in the composter.

As far as the acid, nothing wrong with adding a little bit of vinegar to your watering can if you are so inclined. You don't need all that much.