| PSC 2620: Woody Trees and Shrub | Course Home | Week 3 |
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' - Variegated Tatarian Dogwood
Plant Viewer
 |
 |
| The leaf is elliptic with creamy, variegated margins. | The stems of new growth are red, as is the petioles of the leaf. |
 |
 |
| Clusters of white blossoms appear in the spring, but they are not that striking. Image: Wikipedia.org | Clusters of 1/2 inch wide fruit appear in the fall and are more visible than the earlier flowers. Image: Wikipedia.org |
Plant Description
A large (8-10 feet high, 5-10 feet wide), upright shrub, Variegated Tatarian Dogwood is valued for its multi-seasonal interest. Most famously, in the winter, the bare stems are bright red, which create an especially striking contrast in climates with good snowfall during the winter months. The branching typically becomes dense, but rarely overgrown and, similarly, the foliage appear dense, but still permits glimpses of the attractive branching structure.
The leaves are elliptic, with the veins in a very noticeable arcuate pattern. In the case of 'Elegantissima', the leaves are a grey-green with creamy white margins that undulate and form interesting patterns. The petioles of the leaf are red. In the late spring and early summer, clusters of small white blossoms occur on the top two thirds of the plant. The flowers are showy, but tend to be hidden by the white variegation that already exists on the leaves. Once the blooming is completed, clusters of 1/2 inch white fruit with bluish overtones appear. The fruit clusters are just as, if not more, attractive as the flowers. Fall color is purple-red, though it is generally unreliable.
Although Tatarian Dogwoods naturally grow in rich, moist soil, they readily acclimate themselves to nearly any soil or moisture condition. An established Tatarian Dogwood can thrive in near drought conditions. They perform best in part sun; plants in full sun may develop leaf burn on the creamy margins of the leaf.
Landscape Use
Good for use in mass plantings or in shrub borders. Effective as a screen or border, though not as dense as other options.
Points of interest
Cornus alba suckers fairly aggressively. It is particularly susceptible to leaf spot.
Notable Cultivars
Ivory Halo A smaller and more compact form than 'Elegantissima'. Grows 5-6 high and wide. It is susceptible to leaf burn and leaf spot.
