Cornus alba ''Elegantissima'

Variegated Red Twig Dogwood, VARIEGATED TARTARIAN DOGWOOD

Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’

Deciduous Shrub

"Outstanding Qualities
Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ is a work-horse shrub, giving a great deal for the little it asks in the way of care and attention. In the spring, bright gray-green leaves emerge with a wide, irregular margin of pure white. This variegation remains vibrant and does not fade during summer. In autumn the display changes to gold, apricot and rose-red. Once the leaves have dropped in late fall, its vibrant red stems are revealed, adding interest to the winter scene.

Culture Notes
‘Elegantissima’ grows best in moist well-drained soil but it is extremely adaptable, growing in a wide range of soil types including clay, sand, or wet locations. It is vigorous in full sun or light to dappled shade, but a sunnier location will provide brighter stems in winter. To encourage bright red stems cut back a third of the oldest stems to about 6 inches tall every year, leaving the strong upright young whips."—Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Morning Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Average, Regular / Even

Description

Size: 72 - 120 tall x 60 - 96 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attractive Bark or Stem, Attractive Foliage, Attracts Bees, Attracts Birds, Attracts Butterflies, Fall Color, Flexible Culture, Low Maintenance, Winter Interest, Year-round Interest

Foliage Color: Ivory / Cream, Variegated, White
Fall Color: Mixed / Variable, Pink, Red

Flower Color: Ivory / Cream
Bloom Season: Late Spring / Early Summer
Flower Shape: Umbel


Fruit Description: Red

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Banks and Slopes, Cutting Garden, Erosion Control, Food for Foraging Wildlife, Habitat, Hedges and Screens, Massed, Mixed Border
Special Situations: Deer Resistant, Once-a-Year Maintenance, Verticillium Wilt Resistant, Wet Soil Tolerant
Wildlife: Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: back drop
Plant Behavior: Fast Growing / Vigorous
Collections: eGardenGo Favorite, Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: low
Maintenance Tasks: Once-a-Year Care, Prune annually

Perfect Partners

Cephalanthus occidentalis 'SMCOSS' | Sugar Shack® Buttonbush

Plant Combos