Important with this species to plant in a cool moist situation, it has comparatively little tolerance for heat or drought.

Broken Arrow Nursery says:

Cornus alternifolia ÂW. Stackman (Golden ShadowsÂ)  Golden Shadows Pagoda Dogwood  Zone 4
An exciting and choice selection that has just begun to appear on the market. The medium green leaves are
dramatically edged with an irregular bright golden-yellow margin. When combined with the horizontal
branching pattern the effect is dazzling! Plants are exceptionally vigorous and appear to be quite easy to
grow. Ultimate size is still unknown however we suspect they will mature around 15-20Â in height. - 1
year graft - $28.00

Here is a link that might be useful: Broken Arrow

Protect from deer - I have the species and the deer munch on the lower branches.

Thanks for the input so far. Does anyone have one and could tell me how quickly it grows the first few years? I'm not sure if it's one that needs extra time to establish or not.

esh_ga - deer ARE an issue, and that will affect siting. After I bought it (and was assured I could return it if my research turned up any negatives) I was Googling and at first everything seemed great about it...until I found comments about deer. I like it enough that I'm still going to give it a try.

bboy - thanks for the heat/drought input too; I'll keep those in mind.

It likes high shade with filtered sunlight but mine did not like direct sunlight. It grows about 8-12" per year when young. For a variegated plant it grow very well. Protect form rabbits as they did a number on mine.

David

A new and distinct cultivar of Pagoda Dogwood plant named `Wstackman`, characterized by its vigorous growth rate and large leaves with unique green and yellow variegated foliage

Here is a link that might be useful: United States Patent: PP11287

Thanks David and bboy. I think I've picked its spot and I appreciate the help.

I have a 23-year-old species that was planted near our front door at a landscaper's recommendation. It started much larger than my Golden Shadows - I don't remember how long it took to take off, but it's been a very vigorous grower. The shape has been totally destroyed because I was forced to prune it...it's just way too big for its location. So I want to give Golden Shadows lots of space, but don't want it to look overwhelmed by plants around it while it reaches a reasonable size. Your posts helped rule out one potential spot - thanks again.

What is the REAL maximum size of Cornus alternifolia (in partial shade; partial sun)? Some sites say 15' some say 35' wide. In nature, left to spread, would it grow to 30' wide and 30' tall?