About

Cornus alba 'Wintersun' is an upright, multi-stemmed shrub that can reach a height of 2 meters. Its green stems transition to an orange-red hue during the winter months. In spring, the plant produces green foliage, which shifts to yellow in the summer and then displays a mix of yellow, red, and burgundy tones in autumn. During late spring to early summer, creamy flowers bloom, giving way to round white berries that mature to a bluish-white color.

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, Chalk
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 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.