Cornus sanguinea 'Variegata' (v)
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 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H6Botanical 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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.