Return to Plant Finder

Clicking the following controls will change the main image displayed above.

photo of Walt Stackman

Meet the Breeder

Walt Stackman

GOLDEN SHADOWS®

Dogwood - Pagoda

Cornus alternifolia

'Wstackman'

Swipe to View More
close up of the Variegated yellow and green foliage of Golden Shadows Cornus Golden Shadows pagoda dogwood in a residential perennial garden Close up of red new growth on Golden Shadows Cornus close up of the White flowers on Golden Shadows Cornus close up of Golden Shadows pagoda dogwood's foliage with red fall color emerging on leaves
  • Variegated foliage
  • Elegant, striking habit
  • Year-round interest
Description

Elegant structure and color. Golden Shadows® is a beautiful pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia, syn. Swida alternifolia) noted for its distinctive color and elegant, horizontal habit. Its large heart-shaped leaves are bright yellow, dotted with an irregular green thumbprint, and the new growth flushes reddish orange in cool conditions. Attractive lacy white flowers in spring add to its charm. Happiest in filtered shade - a boon for such sites!

USDA Zone
3 - 8 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Part sun
Height
10 - 12'
Width
10 - 12'
Finish Time
1.5 seasons
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Variegated
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Prefers moist, acidic, well drained soil and filtered shade. Keep roots cool and moist.

Pruning

Naturally strong horizontal habit needs little, if any pruning to attain a pleasing shape. Prune selectively as needed in early spring (though note this will remove any flowers on the pruned growth).

Uses

Specimen plant; mixed borders.

Growing Tips

Filtered light is best; can be grown in full shade, though variegation will not be as intense. Avoid very sunny sites, particularly in warmer climates.

  • Tag: Trees: Golden Shadows Dogwood® Tag
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week: Golden Shadows® Cornus
  • Grower Sheet: Golden Shadows Cornus Grower Sheet
  • Trees: Proven Winners ColorChoice Programs: Branching Out - Proven Winners ColorChoice Ornamental Trees

    • Features: Deer resistant, Foliage interest, Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Tree, Native, Attracts pollinators

    Filters: Botanical genus: Cornus, Common name: Dogwood - Pagoda, Retail program: Proven Winners® Trees, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Variegated foliage

    Features: Deer resistant, Foliage interest, Alkaline soil, Clay soil, Tree, Native, Attracts pollinators

    Filters: Botanical genus: Cornus, Common name: Dogwood - Pagoda, Retail program: Proven Winners® Trees, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Variegated foliage