White Dogwood 'Elegantissima'

White dogwood 'Elegantissima' (Cornus alba 'Elegantissima') is a bright patch that never goes out. In summer it is grey-green foliage with a broad creamy-white margin: from a distance the bush looks almost silver. Once the leaves drop, the vivid red upright stems remain.

Plant it in groups and drifts, in informal hedges and as a screen along a boundary; beside water the red stems show up clearly against snow. In 5-10 years the bush reaches 2.5-4 m in height and width, so it needs room - in a small garden the more compact variegated dogwoods are the better choice.

Key characteristics:

• What makes it special: In autumn the bush ripens white, faintly blue-tinted drupes: inedible for people, but birds clear them away eagerly.
• Dimensions: At 10 years it reaches 2.5-4 m tall and just as wide.
• Hardiness: Takes down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3).
• Flowering: In May-June delicate yellowish-white flowers open, gathered into flat corymbs.
• Light: Grows in full sun and in partial shade alike; in sun the leaf margin is more contrasting and the shoots redder.
• Soil: It takes a wide range of soils easily, and does best on humus-rich, evenly moist, fertile and well-drained ground.
• Watering: It asks for water moderately, and mature bushes take both drought and temporary flooding in their stride.
• Care: In early spring remove 20-25 % of the oldest shoots, or cut the bush back to the base every 2-3 years - it rejuvenates willingly.
• Landscape use: Excellent in groups and drifts, in hedges and screens along a boundary, and in winter as an accent by water.