Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' (Red-barked dogwood) — Bushy, Suckering, Upright, Spreading, Matforming

Overview

Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' is a bushy, suckering, upright, spreading, matforming deciduous shrub in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include hedges, screens and winter interest. It is native to Siberia, northern China and Korea.

About

Cornus alba, the red-barked, white or Siberian dogwood, is a species of flowering plant in the family Cornaceae, native to Siberia, northern China and Korea. It is a large deciduous surculose (suckering) shrub that can be grown as a small tree.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus alba

About the genus

Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods or cornels, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.

Wikipedia contributors, "Cornus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cornus

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Wet
Aspect: South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Full sun
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Habit: Bushy, Suckering, Upright, Spreading, Matforming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 3.0 m
Suggested uses: Hedges, screens, winter interest
Native to: Siberia, northern China, Korea

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from pruning to maintain vibrant stem color
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new red stems
Propagation: Softwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, layering
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet conditions; benefits from pruning to maintain vibrant stem color.

Where is the best place to plant Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt'?

Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.

What soil does Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' need?

Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to wet.

How do I prune Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt'?

Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new red stems.

How big does Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' grow?

Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' reaches a height of 3.0 m.

Is Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' hardy in the UK?

Cornus alba 'Sibirica Westonbirt' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.