About

Cornus sanguinea 'Compressa' is an upright, slender deciduous shrub characterized by its dark red stems and compact, rounded leaves that exhibit a purplish hue in the fall. This variety is notable for its lack of flowers.

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

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
5-10 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, 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 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 horse chestnut scale