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Key characteristics

Family: Cornaceae
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Width: 6 to 8 feet
Flower color: Creamy white flowers
Foliage color: Green leaves with creamy white variegation
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune in late winter to remove old stems
Growing zone: USDA Zones 3 to 7
Wildlife: Birds, attracted to its white to bluish berries in late summer and fall, and pollinators visit the flowers in spring

Shrubs

Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'

Variegated Red Twig Dogwood

Cornus alba 'Elegantissima', also known as the variegated red twig dogwood, is a deciduous shrub valued for its vibrant stems and attractive foliage. The leaves are green with irregular creamy-white margins, creating a bright and elegant appearance throughout the growing season. In late spring to early summer, small clusters of creamy-white flowers bloom, adding a soft touch of color. These are followed by bluish-white berries in late summer, which attract birds and provide additional interest.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Winter Interest
Hedging & Privacy
Wildlife Gardens

Companion plants

Hebe · Flowering quince · Crocus · Matilija poppy · Mallow · Sweet William

Design tip

Cream-edged foliage keeps this dogwood looking bright through the growing season, but its red stems become the real feature after the leaves fall. Position it where winter sunlight can illuminate the bare branches, turning an otherwise quiet part of the garden into a colorful seasonal focal point.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)