Cornus alba 'Elegantissims'
(European Variegated Dogwood, Red Barked Dogwood, Red Twig Dogwood, Tatarian Dogwood)

Synonym:  Argenteo-marginata
Origin:  Native to Manchuria, North Korea, Siberia
Family:  Cornaceae (Dogwood)
Light:  Full sun/sun-part shade
Height:  4-10'
Spacing:  3-12'
Blooms:  Fragrant, very showy, small, white, late Spring-early Summer
Foliage:  Deciduous, variegated, grayish-green with broad white edges
Fruits:  Round white berries with blue and green tints, Summer
Soil:  Well-drained, humus-rich, mildly acidic,  moderately wet
Water:  Regular
Uses:  Foliage, landscape, birdfood, all-season interest, focal point, specimen, wet garden, border, back of perennial bed, naturalizing
Propagation:  Budding, grafting, hardwood cuttings (In Fall and Winter)

Comments:  Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' or European Variegated Dogwood, Red Barked Dogwood or Red Twig Dogwood or Tatarian Dogwood is an eye-catching medium size deciduous upright shrub with a vigorous growth habit.  It is a native of Manchuria, North Korea and Siberia.  In mid-Spring, Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' produces flat cymes of showy, small fragrant white flowers among attractive variegated grayish-green foliage with white margins.  This is later followed later by white berries in Summer, providing a delicious feast for the birds.  Red Barked Dogwood has splendid leaves borne on eye-catching burgundy-red stems, making it an ideal foliage small tree.  European Variegated Dogwood can be propagated from budding, grafting or hardwood cuttings taken mid to late Winter.  It is not picky about soil types and thrives well well-drained, moderately wet, humus-rich soil in a sunny to part shade location.  Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' looks ideal as a stand alone focal point or specimen plant.  It looks very appealing as a border shrub or in the back of perennials.  Argenteo-marginata is an excellent all-season shrub for the smaller garden.  It is a superb plant for naturalizing.

USDA Zones:  2-9

Plant inquiries: jen@JennysGarden.com