Cornus alba
Tatarian dogwood
Common names: White dogwood, Ornamental dogwood
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Description
Cornus alba, the Tatarian dogwood, is a hardy shrub best known for its bright red winter bark. In May and June it produces inconspicuous, cream‑white flower spikes, and in autumn it bears bluish‑white berries that attract birds. The berries are inedible and mildly toxic to humans, so caution is advised, especially around children. The shrub’s true winter display occurs when the leaves fall: young shoots turn coral‑red, providing a striking color contrast in the garden. Cultivars such as ‘Sibirica’ and ‘Elegantissima’ differ mainly in bark color and leaf markings but share the same low‑maintenance character.
Care instructions
Prune the ornamental dogwood in early spring, between late February and mid‑March (week 8 to 11), cutting back heavily. Only young shoots show the vivid red bark, so a regular partial prune of older, low‑lying branches every two to three years is beneficial. The plant tolerates almost any garden soil, thriving best on fresh to moist substrates and can handle occasional waterlogging. Water newly planted specimens regularly during the first year; thereafter, watering is only needed during extended dry spells. Adding compost in spring encourages especially bright shoots the following winter.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, moist, nutrient-rich, loamy
Feeding
Medium feeder
Pruning
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