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Cornus sanguinea 'Variegata' (v)
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

dogwood 'Variegata'

A suckering shrub to 1.5m in height with colourful slender stems, especially on the sun-facing side, green or brown-red to purple, ageing greyish green-brown. Variegated leaves are ovate, entire with a round base and pointed tip, green with splashes of white and creamy yellow on the margins, turn red in the autumn. Both surfaces have hairs. Small, creamy yellow, insect attracting flowers are borne above the leaves followed by hard black berries which are attractive to birds.

Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Brown Green
Summer Purple Brown Green Cream White Green Cream Yellow White
Autumn Green Red Brown Purple Red Blue Black
Winter Purple Brown Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy, Suckering
Genus

Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see winter stem colour cultivation or flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 7 every couple of years to produce vigorous colourful young shoots will help to keep the shrub compact

Pests

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

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose which may affect weak shoots

Get involved

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