Silver Variegated Dogwood
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'
Height: 8 feet
Spread: 7 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 2
Description:
One of the very hardiest of the variegated shrubs for garden use, although it can grow quite large for most gardens; also features stunning red stems which show up well against the winter snow; ideal for color accent in many landscaping applications
Ornamental Features
Silver Variegated Dogwood has attractive white-variegated green foliage on a plant with a round habit of growth. The pointy leaves are highly ornamental but do not develop any appreciable fall color. It has clusters of creamy white flowers at the ends of the branches in late spring. It produces white berries in mid summer. The red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.
Landscape Attributes
Silver Variegated Dogwood is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Silver Variegated Dogwood is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
Planting & Growing
Silver Variegated Dogwood will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 7 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America.
