Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) KORRALOWYJ MARKA

The "Korralowyj Marka" dogwood is a representative of a lesser-known berry variety, which, however, is becoming increasingly popular due to its taste, health effects and usefulness. The 'Korralowyj Marka' variety, with its red, olive-like fruit, is a Ukrainian variety. Its taste makes it one of the most popular among growers. Unlike other varieties, it has a slightly sweeter, more pleasant taste, which makes it suitable for eating raw. 

The barrel-shaped fruit weighs approximately 5,8 g and has a higher sugar content, but above all a high vitamin C content. The plant has the shape of a shrub, which grows slowly, forms a compact crown and can reach a height of more than 3 metres. In some gardens it can be used as an ornamental plant. It flowers in early spring and its leaves turn red in autumn. The fruit ripens in August. Any species of dogwood that flowers at a similar time is sufficient to pollinate 'Korralowyj Marka'.

The 'Korralowyj Marka' variety is considered suitable for direct consumption. The riper fruits have a darker red colour. The flavour is particularly appreciated. The seeds make up approximately 10 % of the volume. There are, of course, other ways of processing the fruits of the 'drieň'. They can be used for pickling, drying, freezing, fruit cocktails, juices and jams, as well as for the production of fruit brandies (Drienkovica is a well-known term) and a distinctive fruit wine. The fruit can have an attractive appearance, enrich decorative confectionery and appeal to lovers of interesting, unusual varieties. Recipes with venison are unique, and dishes with other varieties of sloes and sloes compotes can add another interesting flavour to dishes. Dried they are often used in hot dishes and processed in cold dishes.

More than 30 to 40 kg of fruit can be obtained from a single mature tree. Even a young tree can bear fruit and please several generations and lovers of different flavours. The excessive desire for beautiful but unripe fruit is associated with a sour taste. However, the ripe fruit with its darker red colour produces the main flavour which is the reason for the popularity of both the species and the variety. Dried fruits can be used to make teas. In various cultures, especially in the south, the whole plant is used in folk medicine. In addition to the vitamin C content, the fruits themselves are good for digestion. Some sources also mention the effect of the concentrated juice of the fruit on skin diseases. 

Growing dogwood is not difficult. Their advantage is that they are gentle on the soil. However, neutral to calcareous soil is ideal. To have a large fruiting shrub, they need a sunny spot in the garden and plenty of space over time. A shady or mostly semi-shaded spot is unsuitable, where the plant will not thrive, although it can be trained. Dogwood can bear poorly if dug up and transplanted. This can slow its growth. It is therefore advisable to think of a good location when planting. The roots go down to a depth of 80 centimetres, even further if the plant is older. This enables the plant to cope well with uneven rainfall and watering, as it can secure moisture from a greater depth. An excellent way to prevent weeds from growing and the soil under the plant from drying out is to cover it with garden fabric and mulch or straw. 

Although the plant is hardy, it is more suited to warm locations. It does not thrive in northern and higher elevations of Slovakia. It flowers in March with yellow, white-yellow or greenish-yellow flowers. It may flower earlier. It can also be grown as a tree. For this, the main trunk is left to gradually form a crown. 

The unpretentiousness of the dogwood and the fact that it does not suffer from any serious diseases or problems make it an unpretentious plant that is suitable for any garden. Do not over-fertilise dogwood. A long-term multi-component fertiliser will suffice. The young plant should be watered regularly after planting. The plants supplied by us are planted in containers. These plants can be planted at any time of the year. When removing, the roots should be covered with soil and the plant placed in the prepared hole so that the soil is not disturbed.