Cornus alba Sibirica - White Dogwood

The Siberian Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus alba 'Sibirica', is a hardy bush with a bushy habit that reveals its striking beauty in autumn and winter. It boasts stunning green foliage that turns a dazzling shade once the days shorten. As autumn gives way to winter, the foliage fades to reveal the bush's main asset - red branches that brighten up the cold season. The Siberian Dogwood makes a beautiful background for flower beds in spring and summer. It also makes up a beautiful, varied hedge thanks to its discreet white flowering in May-June and fruit in the form of small round berries that turn blue at the end of summer.

This bush belongs to the Cornaceae family, and its origin provides essential information about its needs. It is found in damp forests near water sources or at high altitudes (around 1000 m) in the wild. Therefore, it grows best in moist soil exposed to sun or partial shade, and it can easily withstand colder temperatures. Prune it more or less severely, depending on the shape you wish to create. This will also encourage the growth of new, even more colourful branches when they are young.

The Siberian Dogwood is a plant that grows up to 2 meters tall. Depending on size and branching, it can also spread as a bush up to 1.5 meters wide. The plant has numerous simple, opposite, ovate, and pointed leaves that are distinctly veined. During spring and summer, the leaves appear in a pretty green colour. However, they turn red in autumn and disappear. The plant also produces small white flowers in May-June, which attract pollinators and add animation to the garden. The flowers are grouped in 5-6 cm corymbs and are attractive. Later, the plant produces spherical berries that are initially white but turn blue at the end of summer. When everything is bare in winter, the Siberian Dogwood stands out with its bright red stems that warm up the atmosphere and catch the eye. It can be complemented with evergreen shrubs for contrast and variety with red or yellow flowers to enhance the garden's beauty. Also, the stems can be used for making bouquets and compositions following the rules of Ikebana. 

Depending on what you want to highlight in autumn and winter, the Cornus alba 'Sibirica' can be placed in various spots. It can be positioned to be visible from inside the house, framed by windows or glass doors. Alternatively, it can be placed in a secluded corner of the garden to encourage walks or in the centre of a bed of small evergreens to enliven them. If you plant it in a free hedge, it will blend well with complementary shrubs, such as the Japanese Quince 'Eximia', the evergreen foliage of Photinia fraseri 'Corallina', or the scented Buddleias.