Red Barked Dogwood Elegantissima

A medium sized, deciduous shrub or thicket, Cornus alba Elegantissima has rich, red coloured stems and pale-green foliage with striking, silver-white variegation. Small white flowers in early Summer develop into clusters of small white berries in the Winter. Flowers are good for bees and other insects. The red-barked dogwoods are mainly grown for the rich, coloured stems for the Winter garden. The stems are great for adding colour to basketry or other willow-work. Prune in late winter, either removing about a third of the oldest stems or cutting back all stems every 3 or 4 years.

Site: Tolerant of inland exposure
Soil: Well draining, moist soils, tolerant of wet soils
Position: Full sun, partial shade, tolerant of shade
Season of Interest: Variegated foliage, white berries and red stems in Winter
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 6ft (2m) Spread: 6ft (2m)