Cornus alba “Elegantissima”

Tatarian Dogwood
Cornus alba “Elegantissima”
Type: Deciduous Shrub
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

This versatile, all-season shrub is prized for its fresh looking foliage and colorful winter twigs. Growing to 10ft (3m) tall by 6ft (1.8m) wide, this shrubby dogwood is densely clothed in greyish-green leaves with a wide, irregular margin of white variegation. These leaves are pointed ovals that get to 5in (12.5) long by half as wide. They’re joined by  flattish clusters of small, fragrant, creamy white spring flowers, that give rise to clusters of snowberry-looking berries in the fall.  The leaves turn red before falling in autumn, revealing blood-red twigs that lend the garden a welcome shot of winter color. The young wood has the brightest winter color, so this shrub is often cut back hard in the late dormant season to encourage new growth. Although leaf color is better in full sun, the variegation brightens up a shady corner admirably. A more compact cultivar, C.a. “Ivory Halo,” which grows to 6ft (1.8m) high and wide, is very popular and very similar in appearance, and is taking over as the nursery standard.

Pro tip: This is sometimes labelled as Cornus alba “Argenteomarginata.” Same plant.

Bloom photo courtesy of  www.gardentaining.com

Cheers,

John