Cornus alba

Cornus alba

Red-barked dogwood

Position: full sun or partial shade
Soil: fertile, well-drained soil
Flowering period: May to June
Height: 2-2,5m
Foliage: deciduous
Hardiness: fully hardy

Cornus alba, commonly known as red-barked dogwood, is highly valued for its vivid red winter stems colour. In summer it bears creamy-white flowers, followed by white or blue berries.

Brightly, red coloured stems become visible when the shrub loses its leaves.

Varieties

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’

There are many varieties to choose from. Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ has green, yellowish leaves that redden in autumn.

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica Variegata’

There are also red-barked dogwoods with variegated leaves. Cornus alba ‘Sibirica Variegata’ produces green leaves with a white edge, while Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ offers striking grey-green leaves with white margins.

Cornus alba ‘Aurea’

If you prefer golden-yellow leaf colour choose Cornus alba ‘Aurea’

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica Variegata’               Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’

Pruning

When should you cut back Cornus alba (dogwoods). Cut back 1/3 of the stems to about 5-10cm above ground level in March. Alternatively, Cut back all the stems to about 5-10cm above ground level in March. Pruning will stimulate new, colourful stems.

Feeding

Apply a 5-7cm layer of compost around the base of the plant in March.

Plant combination

The mid-green variegated blades of Carex morrowii Ice Dance’ and the striking grass-like leaves of Ophiopogon pl. ‘Nigrescens’ contrast well to the red stems. Winter-flowering Helleborus and Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’ also make a good addition.

Carex morrowii