Cornus alba is a well known, indispensable, coloured bark shrub for winter display. It is not particular about soil type and will grow in sun or semi-shade. Unpruned it will grow to 7 ft tall, but annual pruning wil keep it at 5 ft.
The best varieties are:
Cornus alba "Aurea": Apart from red winter stems, this variety has golden foliage all summer.
Cornus alba "Elegantissima": Deep red winter stems and silver variegated foliage all summer.
Cornus alba "Sibirica": The best variety for stem colour; startling scarlet.
Cornus alba "Sibirica Variegata": Great winter colour. The best silver variegated Cornus. Cornus alba "Spaethii": Deep red winter stems. Marbled golden variegation in summer.
Cornus stolonifera "Flaviramea": Plant as a contrast to any of the above. Yellow/ lime green winter stems.

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