Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' – Variegated Redtwig Dogwood for Year-Round Interest

Redtwig Dogwood 'Elegantissima' (Cornus alba 'Elegantissima')

Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' (KOR-nus AL-bah) is a vigorous deciduous shrub providing a long season of interest with its variegated leaves, attractive berries, pretty fall color, and red winter stems. Synonym: 'Argenteo-marginata'.

Noteworthy Characteristics

• Berries are white, often tinged with blue and green
• Fall color is apricot, gold, and rosy-red
• Very adaptable, but better stem and leaf color in full sun

Growing Conditions & Care

Full sun to part shade, with full sun preferred. Cut back stems to within 2 or 3 buds of the base or to permanent framework in early spring, then feed or apply well-rotted manure and mulch.

Propagation

Take hardwood cuttings in fall and winter.

Potential Problems

Spot anthracnose (dogwood blight), powdery mildew, Discula blight, canker, bacterial leaf spot, and mushroom root rot can occur; twig borers, weevils, sawfly, scale insects, aphids, leafhoppers, root knot nematodes, and thrips are common.

Quick Reference

• Height/Spread: 6–10 ft.
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Medium to wet
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Bloom Time: Late spring to summer
• Flower Color: White
• Foliage Color: Variegated
• Uses: Beds, borders, specimen, waterside
• Type: Shrub