Cornus, commonly known as Dogwood, are renowned for revealing vibrant stems of red, orange and lime green once their fiery shaded foliage has dropped in the Autumn. Many varieties will also put on a display of striking flower bracts in early Summer, making them an invaluable addition to any garden.
Cornus are tolerant in partial shade, but for the best vibrant stem colour we recommend growing them in full sun in moist soil and leaving them unpruned for the first year after planting.
We’ve highlighted some of our varieties below, available in-store and online this season:
Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’
Striking yellow-green stems and mid-green leaves turning yellow in autumn. White flowers in May-June are followed by white berries. Height and spread 2m x 3m.
Cornus alba ‘Sibirica Variegata’
Green leaves, edged white, turning red in autumn with bright red stems. Height and spread 3m x 3m.
Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ Dark purple-black stems and rich green leaves turning deep violet in autumn. Cream flowers in early summer followed by white berries. Height and spread 2m x 2m.
Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’
Grey-green leaved margined white that turn red in autumn. White flowers in late spring are followed by blue-tinged fruits, bright red stems in winter. Height and spread 1.8m x 1.5m.
Cornus alba ‘Baton Rouge’
Young stems are a bright pink-red in winter. Green leaves turning red in autumn. Height and spread 1.8m x 1.5m.
Cornus alba ‘Siberian Pearls’
Vibrant red winter shoots, dark green leaves turn red in autumn. White flowers in spring followed by white berries in autumn. Height and spread 2m x 1.5m.
Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’
Colourful stems, yellow at the base deepening to fiery orange-red at the tips. Leaves turn yellow in autumn. Height and spread 2m x 2m.
