About

Cornus sanguinea 'Variegata' is a suckering shrub that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The stems exhibit a range of colors, predominantly vibrant shades on the sunny sides, transitioning from green or brown-red to purple, and eventually maturing to a greyish green-brown. Its leaves are ovate with smooth edges, featuring a rounded base and a pointed tip. The foliage is primarily green, adorned with white and creamy yellow margins, and shifts to red in the autumn. Both sides of the leaves are covered in fine hairs. During the blooming season, this plant produces small, creamy yellow flowers that attract insects, followed by clusters of hard black berries that are favored by birds.

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

West-facing, South-facing, East-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Shrubs

Habit

Bushy, Suckering

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

1-1.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, 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 every couple of years to produce vigorous colourful young shoots will help to keep the shrub compact

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose which may affect weak shoots