Silver Variegated Dogwood

Silver Variegated Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Elegantissima')

Silver Variegated Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Elegantissima') is a striking deciduous shrub known for its elegant variegated foliage and vivid red winter stems. A selection of the Siberian dogwood, this cultivar offers four-season interest, brightening garden spaces with creamy-white and green leaves in spring and summer, followed by dramatic red stems that glow in winter. Fast-growing and highly adaptable, it's a bold addition to foundation beds, mixed borders, and winter interest plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Elegantissima' features ovate leaves with soft green centers and creamy-white margins, creating a luminous presence in the landscape. In fall, the foliage transitions to soft pink or purplish tones before dropping to reveal vivid red stems that stand out in snowy or dormant gardens. The shrub typically reaches 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, forming an upright, spreading habit that can be pruned to maintain shape or rejuvenated for brighter winter color.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; brightest stem color occurs in full sun.
• Soil: Adapts to most soil types; prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates clay and occasional wetness.
• Water: Moderate; appreciates consistent moisture but tolerates short dry periods once established.
• Humidity: Tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and urban conditions.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7; highly cold hardy and well-suited to northern climates.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point Plantings: Variegated foliage and red stems add standout texture and color.
• Winter Interest Beds: Bare red stems provide strong visual appeal in the dormant season.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Blends beautifully with flowering and evergreen companions.
• Rain Gardens: Tolerates wetter soils; useful in bio-swales and low-lying sites.
• Hedging and Screening: Dense growth habit works well for informal hedges or visual breaks.

Low Maintenance Care

Silver Variegated Dogwood is an easy-care shrub that responds well to pruning and adapts to a variety of growing conditions. Regular pruning enhances stem color and overall plant health.

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; provide supplemental water in drought conditions.
• Pruning: Prune 1/3 of oldest stems in late winter to encourage vibrant new growth; can be cut back hard every few years for renewal.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth appears slow.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free; monitor for leaf spot or canker in overly wet conditions.
• Winter Care: No special protection needed; red stems brighten winter gardens naturally.

Why Choose Silver Variegated Dogwood?

Silver Variegated Dogwood combines multi-season interest, bold foliage contrast, and cold-hardiness into a versatile and vibrant landscape shrub that shines throughout the year.

• Four-Season Beauty: Colorful foliage, fall tones, and bright red stems extend garden interest year-round.
• Fast Growing: Fills in quickly and responds well to rejuvenation pruning.
• Cold Hardy Performer: Thrives in harsh winters and adapts to northern landscapes.
• Excellent Contrast: Bright foliage pairs well with deep greens, purples, and evergreens.
• Low Maintenance: Easy to grow and tolerant of a variety of site conditions.

For standout color and structure from spring through winter, Silver Variegated Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Elegantissima') is a dependable and eye-catching addition to any well-designed landscape.