Winter Canary Dogwood

Winter Canary Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Grecan')

Winter Canary Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Grecan') is a vibrant, cold-hardy shrub known for its bright yellow winter stems and variegated foliage. This eye-catching cultivar adds unique off-season color and year-round texture to garden beds, borders, and winter landscapes, all in a manageable, medium-sized form.

Distinctive Features

'Winter Canary' stands out with its cheerful golden-yellow stems that bring warmth to the winter garden. During the growing season, green leaves edged in creamy white offer a luminous, variegated effect. White flower clusters bloom in late spring, followed by small white berries that attract birds. The shrub grows 5 to 6 feet tall and wide with a dense, rounded habit, offering multi-season interest and versatility.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; tolerant of clay and urban conditions
• Water: Moderate; benefits from regular watering during establishment
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3�7

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Yellow stems create bright contrast in snowy or dormant gardens
• Foundation Plantings: Tidy habit and foliage variegation suit front-facing locations
• Winter Interest: Brings bold seasonal color when most plants are bare
• Mixed Borders: Enhances texture and contrast among shrubs and perennials
• Wildlife Gardens: Flowers and berries support pollinators and songbirds

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during the first year; tolerates short dry spells when mature
• Pruning: Remove oldest stems in late winter to stimulate colorful new growth
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote vigor
• Mulching: Maintain mulch to conserve soil moisture and prevent weeds
• Protection: Withstands cold, deer, and urban pollutants with ease

Why Choose Winter Canary Dogwood?

• Golden Stems: Bright yellow winter color is rare and refreshing
• Seasonal Versatility: Offers visual appeal from spring through winter
• Compact Size: Easy to fit into residential landscapes and mixed beds
• Wildlife Benefits: Berries and blooms draw pollinators and birds
• Focal Point: Illuminates the winter garden with unmistakable color and form

Cornus alba 'Grecan' brings a splash of sunshine to cold months while offering attractive foliage and wildlife value year-round, making it a colorful and resilient focal point in any temperate garden.