About

Cornus alba 'Cream Cracker' PBR (v) is a deciduous shrub characterized by its slender, upright stems that exhibit a dark purple-red hue, reaching heights of approximately 3 meters. The foliage emerges in mid-green, adorned with a soft yellow edge, and transitions to a grey-green shade with a white margin as it matures. In late spring and early summer, this plant produces clusters of small, cream-hued flowers, which are subsequently succeeded by white fruits.

About the genus

Cornus includes a variety of deciduous shrubs and trees, as well as prostrate, woody perennials, some featuring vibrant young stems. The small flowers appear in compact clusters, occasionally accompanied by prominent bracts. Several species display attractive foliage in the fall.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

Cultivation
Will grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see winter stem colour cultivation or flowering dogwood cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 7
Propagation
Propagate by hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus