{"id":20827,"date":"2023-04-11T10:53:07","date_gmt":"2023-04-11T08:53:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/?p=104320"},"modified":"2023-04-11T11:36:25","modified_gmt":"2023-04-11T09:36:25","slug":"cornus-with-attractive-foliage-and-colourful-stems","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/cornus-with-attractive-foliage-and-colourful-stems\/","title":{"rendered":"Cornus with attractive foliage and colourful stems"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cultivars of Cornus sanguinea, Cornus alba and Cornus sericea are grown for their colourful winter stems, but some have the benefit of attractive foliage too, giving them year-round appeal. Plant expert Andy McIndoe recommends some of the best. <\/p>

By Andy McIndoe\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 11 April 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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While flowering dogwoods<\/a> are grown for their beautiful bracts in early summer, the best-known members of the Cornus<\/em> genus are those grown for their colourful winter stems<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cultivars of Cornus<\/em> sanguinea<\/em>, Cornus<\/em> alba<\/em> and Cornus<\/em> sericea <\/em>are grown for their attractive winter stems,<\/em> but some of these have the benefit of attractive and colourful foliage too, giving them year-round appeal.<\/p>\n

Cornus alba<\/em> \u2018Sibirica Variegata\u2019 is one of the most useful, with pleasing green-and-white variegated leaves, flushed with purple-pink, rich autumn foliage and dark red winter stems. It grows to only 1.2m, with a similar spread, and can be left unpruned. It is an excellent mixer with perennials<\/a>, roses and other shrubs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Jump to<\/strong><\/p>\n

When to prune cornus<\/a><\/li>\n
How to prune cornus<\/a><\/li>\n
The best cornus to grow for foliage and stems<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>

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$\""Cornus\"$ <\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
Many dogwoods grown for their foliage or stems have the added bonus of summer flowers. The variegated Cornus controversa<\/em> \u2018Variegata\u2019 is a lighter and more graceful form of Cornus controversa<\/em> and, with a similar wedding-cake silhouette, is one of the most beautiful variegated plants. The leaves are delicate, hanging along the elegantly poised branches. The creamy, early summer flowers add to the frothy, lightness of the plant.<\/p>\n
Of smaller stature, but with similar habit, is Cornus alternifolia<\/em> \u2018Argentea\u2019. Its dark stems and sage and white leaves make it easier to accommodate in the average garden. It is lighter, frothier and perhaps prettier than its larger cousin.<\/p>\n
Less frequently seen, Cornus mas<\/em> \u2018Variegata\u2019 is a particularly fine foliage shrub, with the benefit of yellow, fluffy flowers on bare branches in late winter. The defined green and white leaves provide the perfect setting for cherry- like fruits that develop in autumn.<\/p>\n
When to prune cornus<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re growing cornus for colourful winter stems, prune in late winter or early spring \u2013 February or March \u2013 before the plants have started into leaf. Pruning at this time will keep the stems compact and colourful the following winter.<\/p>\n
How to prune cornus<\/h2>\n
Let your cornus establish for three to four years before you prune for the first time. Cut back to between 7cm and 10cm from the ground.<\/p>\n
Read our detailed guide to pruning dogwoods<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The best cornus to grow for foliage and stems<\/h2>\n
Cornus alternifolia <\/em>\u2018Argentea\u2019<\/h3>\n
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