Description

Cornus or Dogwoods, can broadly be split into two groups, the flowering types and the winter stem varieties. Cultivar of Cornus alba, Cornus sericea and Cornus sanguinea are grown for their winter stem colour. Although these species do flower, they have none of the impressive flowering presence of Cornus florida, Cornus kousa and Cornus nuttalii types.

Cornus alba and C. sericea is easy to grow preferring a bright, sunny spot, but growing successfully in part-shade. Cornus alba and C. sericea types are better in reasonably moist soils, where they can grow quickly producing lots of colourful stems. Through regular annual pruning (Coppicing or Stooling to 15cm 6" in late winter), you will see rapid regrowth of perfectly straight, well coloured stems. Cornus sanguinea types are slower growing, so should be pruned either every two, or three years. If unpruned, all stem coloured varieties will lose colour over time, with only the youngest stem tips truly reflecting their magnificence.

If pruning is done less frequently than annually and as the plants get older, they may flower and fruit. The tiny, creamy-white flowers are held in clusters at growth tips and are relatively uninteresting. Flowers are followed by spherical pea-sized fruits, again in clusters, which start out white and change over time to an amazing metallic blue/opal colour.

A handsome shrub, grown for its winter stems. Buttery yellow leaves on bright red stems. Ideal for damp soils and will retain much of the yellowness of the foliage even if grown in semi-shade.

Height: 300cm.
Spread: 200cm.