Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) MATADOR

Matador dogwood (Cornus mas Matador) is a French variety of productive dogwood, which is still very rare in Slovakia. The harvest is regular. It is very easy to grow and is resistant to diseases and pests. An equally important characteristic is its hardiness in the wood and also in the flower. This is provided that the flowers are not affected by too severe frosts and strong winds. The dogwood blooms from the end of February until March with small yellow flowers, when it has no shortage of pollinating insects. It is advisable to provide the dogwood with an additional pollinator in the form of another plant.  

Matador dogwood fruit

The fruits ripen in warm areas in the second half of August, in cooler regions during September and remain attached to the plant for several days without falling off. As they ripen, they take on darker shades of red, but their flavour changes as well. Gradually the acidity disappears and the sweetness increases. The fruit gradually softens. They contain one stone. They are rich in vitamin C and can be used in hot and cold cooking and confectionery. Jams, syrups and compotes are popular. The benefits of the whole plant are well known in folk medicine, but also in the production of fruit spirit - drienkovica. The fruits have a beneficial effect on digestion. 

Cultivation, requirements and properties

Suitable location for the dogwood is sunny or in partial shade. Despite its low soil requirements, it particularly appreciates a permeable and non-clay soil with a neutral or slightly alkaline pH (up to pH 7). Young, freshly planted driene or young plants need watering during the dry season. At maturity, the shrub will reach a size of around 3 to 4 metres. It does not require pruning or cutting unless it is necessary to cut back the shape or remove dry and damaged branches. As a frost- and disease-resistant species, it is a suitable garden inhabitant also 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 clearing it of side shoots and lower branches. Alternatively, it is possible to choose a multi-trunked tree and keep the lower part of the trunk clean. In autumn its leaves take on a variety of typical autumn hues. 

The variety is suitable for organic cultivation and its hardiness characteristics are often highlighted as a key advantage. 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 overwintering. 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.