Tartarian dogwood
cornus alba
Also known as: ["Red-barked dogwood","Red osier dogwood"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub known for its vibrant red stems, especially prominent in winter, and clusters of small white flowers followed by white or blue berries.
Benefits & Perks
["seasonal color change","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Genus: | Cornus |
| Botanical Name: | Cornus alba |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-40–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"2–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates a range of soil types if drainage is adequate.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy; remove up to one-third of the oldest stems each year.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight in spring/summer, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun in summer; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor leaf scorch; provide dappled shade in extreme heat; rotate container plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds; avoid compacted soil; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 2–7; tolerates cold winters and moderate summers; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) for active growth.
Protect from late frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid contact with roots; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or hardwood) or layering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stems.
- Cut below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for softwood cuttings; late summer to early fall for hardwood cuttings.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Recommended for faster rooting, especially for hardwood cuttings.
Timeline
Softwood cuttings root in 4–6 weeks; hardwood cuttings take 8–12 weeks to root and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of older stems at the base; heading back of overgrown branches to encourage branching.
Pruning Plan
Prune to encourage vigorous new growth, especially for varieties with colorful stems. Remove old or weak stems to improve air circulation and appearance.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger stems), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) in diameter for container plants.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; replace old soil with fresh, well-draining mix; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot container-grown plants every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Outdoor plants rarely need repotting but may benefit from soil enrichment.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage holes are clear; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for weather conditions.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply until water penetrates the root ball but avoid runoff. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause dieback of stems and delayed spring growth, but established plants are generally cold-hardy.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; protect young plants with burlap screens in severe winters; avoid late-season pruning.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering, especially in combination with drought.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during heat waves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil fertility before fertilizing; use the correct dilution; apply during active growth; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid over-fertilizing, especially nitrogen-heavy formulas; reduce or stop feeding in late summer.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCornus alba berries are slightly toxic to cats when ingested in significant amounts. The toxicity can lead to mild gastrointestinal disturbances, but severe reactions are uncommon.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Cornus alba can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. They may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but severe poisoning is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCornus alba berries are generally considered non-toxic to humans and are not known to cause significant physiological effects when ingested in small quantities. However, excessive consumption may lead to mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I prune Cornus alba for the best winter color?
A: Prune in early spring by cutting back one-third of the oldest stems to ground level to encourage new vibrant growth.
Q: Is Cornus alba suitable for shady gardens?
A: Yes, it tolerates partial shade but performs best with some sunlight for optimal stem color.
Q: Are the berries of Cornus alba edible?
A: The berries are not typically consumed by humans but are safe for birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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