Dogwood, Cornus

Dogwoods are fantastic in winter gardens. Their brightly coloured stems come in citrus yellow, lime, orange or fiery red. They also provide year-round appeal with marbled leaves, fabulous fruits and great autumn colour.

Plant history

Cornus kousa var. chinensis

Cornus sanguinea (common dogwood) is a native plant with a long history. It's even been found in ancient hedgerows mingling with hawthorn and hazel. Previously a favourite of council planting schemes, dogwoods have revamped their image and are now in favour with garden designers.

The more exotic Cornus kousa is native to Japan and Korea, with showy bracts and strawberry-like fruits in autumn.

Recommended species and varieties

Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'

Don’t be daunted by the array of different dogwood species - there are distinctive groups to fulfil your needs. The larger trees aren’t an option with smaller gardens. Instead, choose from the wide range of shrubs, which can be cut down every year, keeping them compact.

Dogwoods have tiny flowers, but they're surrounded by modified leaves, called bracts, that look just as dramatic.

For stem effects

Cornus alba 'Aurea' : vigorously growing reddish stems and yellow leaves.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima': added interest from variegated leaves.
Cornus alba 'Kesselringii’: dark, almost black stems, that are a great contrast with other stem colours.
Cornus sanguinea (common dogwood) : a stalwart member of wildlife gardens and hedges.
Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ : as the name suggests, the stems burn with fiery red and yellow tints and brighten any winter border.
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' : vivid green stems when grown in full sun.

For flowers

Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' (pagoda tree) : tiered branches laden with silver-edged leaves and, in summer, clusters of white bracts.
Cornus controversa 'Variegata' : also known as the wedding cake tree, with its cream-edged leaves and clusters of creamy flowers.
Cornus kousa var. chinensis : dramatic white bracts and fabulous strawberry-coloured fruits.
Cornus mas (cornelian cherry) : undemanding and easy to grow with a rewarding flush of yellow flowers in spring, often as early as February, purple leaves in autumn, and edible fruits.

And finally...

Cornus canadensis (creeping dogwood) : an altogether different low-growing, spreading variety for moist, acidic soil.

Growing tips

Cornus alba

To ensure vibrant winter colours, cut back hard in early spring as they're starting to break into leaf. Cut stems down to four to five buds, a few inches from the ground. Next winter you'll get the desired results, with the brightly-coloured new stems. If you want to keep a framework, particularly on the variegated species, cut down a third of the stems.

Most of the shrub species can be propagated by hardwood cuttings from November to January. Many of the trees, such as C. mas and C. controversa 'Variegata', can also be grafted.

Planting companions

Winter garden

One option is to plant against a contrasting backdrop, such as an evergreen hedge. However, the site needs some sun to ensure the best stem colour. Plant in clusters of three or five to achieve the best effect.

Dogwoods generally prefer moist soil, so can tolerate sites which stay wet, partnering other damp-loving plants such as salix and betula. These also offer contrasting winter stem effects, for example Betula utilis var. jacquemontii ' Silver Shadow' or Salix alba subsp . Vitellina .

If you're planning a winter garden, remember to keep it close to home or at least in view, as no-one feels like venturing through a cold, muddy garden to admire winter displays. Other winter stunners are hamamelis, hellebores and sarcococca.

Where to see them

The National Collection of Cornus:
RHS Garden Rosemoor
Rosemoor
Great Torrington
North Devon
EX38 8PH
Tel: 01805 624067
(External) www.rhs.org.uk/whatson/gardens/rosemoor/index.asp