Why should I prune this shrub?

Pruning encourages the growth of new, brightly colored stems for the following winter.

Can it grow in wet soil?

Yes, it is quite happy in moist to boggy conditions.

Plant guide

Variegated dogwood.

Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'

Pronounced KOR-nus AL-ba

Also known as Cornus alba 'Elegantissima', Red-bark dogwood, Siberian dogwood, Tartarian dogwood, Tatarian dogwood, White Dogwood

This hardy shrub is a real standout in the garden, especially during winter when its bright red stems shine against the snow. It features lovely green leaves with creamy white margins that turn a soft pink or red in the fall. You will love how it brings year round interest to your landscape.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 2 to 3 meters
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 2 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist, as this dogwood loves a good drink. Prune back the oldest stems every few years to encourage vibrant new red growth. Watch for leaf scorch if the plant gets too much intense afternoon sun.

Watering: Water deeply during dry spells to keep the soil evenly moist.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove old wood and stimulate colorful new growth.
Repotting: Repot only if container grown, otherwise plant directly in the ground.
Soil: Moist, well-draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: Acidic to neutral
Temperature: -40 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 15 to 20 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
The plant stops growing even during the active season.

Safety

People: This plant is generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion of berries is not recommended.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The berries are small and could pose a choking hazard if eaten by young children.
Contact allergens: Some people may experience mild skin irritation from handling the stems.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is not typically a significant allergen.
Edibility: The berries are not considered edible for humans and may cause stomach upset.

How to identify it

Green leaves with creamy white margins
Bright red stems in winter
Small clusters of white flowers
White to light blue berries
Opposite leaf arrangement

Height: 1.5 to 3m
Spread: 1.5 to 3m
Leaves: green, variegated, deciduous
Flowers: white, creamy white, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: white, blue, Late summer

Problems to watch for

AnthracnoseCommon
Powdery MildewCommon
Scale InsectsCommon
Leaf ScorchUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Twig BlightUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your variegated dogwood from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, division
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special winter protection is needed as it is quite hardy. You can prune it in late winter before new growth starts to ensure bright stems for the following year.
In containers: It grows well in containers at least 15 to 20 gallons in size, provided you keep the soil consistently moist.

Hardwood cuttings

Take 6 to 8 inch cuttings from dormant stems in late winter.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Place the cuttings in a pot of moist sand or potting mix.
Keep them in a cool, bright spot until roots develop in spring.

Pair this with other moisture-loving shrubs to create a low-maintenance rain garden.

Grows well with

Winterberry · They share similar moisture needs and provide complementary winter color.
Siberian Iris · The grass-like foliage contrasts beautifully with the shrub's broad leaves.

Similar species

Red Osier Dogwood · It is a North American native with similar red winter stems.

Science

Family: Cornaceae
Genus: Cornus
Order: Cornales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Siberia, northern China, and Korea.
Conservation: This plant is widespread and not of conservation concern.

It thrives in damp thickets and along stream banks where it can spread via suckering.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, provides nesting cover, fruit for birds
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental shrub, winter interest, hedge, erosion control

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 6/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Temperature: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why should I prune this shrub?: Pruning encourages the growth of new, brightly colored stems for the following winter.
Can it grow in wet soil?: Yes, it is quite happy in moist to boggy conditions.

Where the name comes from

Cornus comes from the Latin word for horn, referring to the hard wood, while alba means white, describing the fruit.

Good to know

The red color of the stems is most intense on younger wood.
It is incredibly hardy and can survive extreme northern winters.
The name alba refers to the white berries.

Keep your variegated dogwood growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.