Tatarian Dogwood

Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba, Cornaceae) is a deciduous broadleaf shrub from Siberia, Manchuria, and northern Korea, reaching 8 to 10 feet tall with a multi-stemmed, suckering habit. Small yellowish-white flowers appear in flat-topped clusters (2 to 2.5 inches) from May to June, followed by white or bluish globose fruit. Red fall foliage and bright stem color provide winter interest.

Tatarian dogwood is hardy in Zones 3a to 8b. It is resistant to rabbit and deer browse and tolerates erosion-prone and wet soil conditions. Maintenance is low; the species tolerates renovation pruning with up to 90 to 95 percent removal in late winter to early spring to maintain bright young stem color. Disease pressure is significant, with 9 documented associations including anthracnose, powdery mildew, Armillaria root rot, and leaf spot. Pest associations include lecanium scale, oystershell scale, dogwood sawfly, and flea beetle. Cultivars include 'Elegantissima' (variegated), 'Siberica' (coral-red stems), 'Bailhalo,' and 'Hessei.'

Red-twig dogwood is grown for one thing: red winter stem color. The color is brightest on first-year growth, which means the maintenance strategy is aggressive: cut 90-95% of the plant to the ground in late winter every year or every other year. The plant regenerates vigorously from the base. This pruning regime is not optional if you want the ornamental effect. In the Puget Sound lowlands, red-twig dogwood handles wet sites, heavy soils, and part shade. It suckers freely, which is useful for mass plantings and rain gardens but aggressive in mixed borders. Anthracnose and powdery mildew are present but rarely serious on vigorous, well-watered plants. ‘Elegantissima’ (variegated) and ‘Sibirica’ (brightest red stems) are the cultivars you see most in local nurseries.

— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist