Cornelian Cherry

I purchased some small cornells and this is my first time owning them. I live in West Ky where I have seen it get as cold as -10 to as hot as 115 and 100 percent humidity is common in the Summer. My soil is also a very heavy clay. My question is considering how hot it can get here, are cornells heat tolerant enough to plant in full sun? Or should I plant them in shaded areas like almost all Kousa and regular dogwoods are planted here? I can only think of on dogwood that grows full sun here, and its because it is a very large and older tree that likely had canopy above it years ago. If cornells can tolerate the heat I was hoping to place it within my orchard. Thoughts?

Hi Kevin.  I did a little googling and found a site that says Cornus mas is good in AHS heat zones 8-5.  I can attest that they're good in AHS heat zone 5.  It looks like western Kentucky is mostly 7 with a bit of 8 so you'll probably be ok as well.  Hopefully someone from your area will chime in to confirm.


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Thank you Greg! It helps, but also most of West Ky is monoculture farms, with little bits of homesteads few and farm between. I doubt anyone locally would know. Thanks again :]

Indeed Kousa does not tolerate full sun ( and heat ).
Cornus mas does not like droughts. It prefers moist soils and some chalk.
They like heat but need enough water then. Heat gives sweeter fruits that ripens earlier.
So heavy clay holds moist wel but on planting the soil must be loosen.
Can be planted under open canopy ( honey locust would do great ).
Mulching helps to keep a moist soil.
Good luck  Kevin.