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Red-barked dogwood
The Cornus alba 'Elegantissima', commonly known as the red-barked dogwood, is a stunning deciduous shrub that offers year-round interest. With its striking red stems and variegated foliage, this species stands out in any garden setting. Perfect for borders, group plantings, or as a solitary feature, this versatile shrub is not only aesthetically pleasing but also robust and adaptable to a range of environments.
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Shrubs. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Shrubs for a long time.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' displays a versatile nature in terms of light exposure, flourishing in full sun, partial shade, or even in shaded areas. Optimal growth and vibrant stem color, however, are most pronounced when the shrub receives ample sunlight. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Its water needs are moderate, requiring consistent moisture, especially in drier conditions. This variety's striking red stems offer a stunning contrast against the winter landscape, making it an excellent choice for a location where its winter interest can be fully appreciated.
Planting Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' requires selecting a well-drained site that can accommodate its upright to bushy growth and eventual height of 2.5 meters. It thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to shade. The root system is already established when provided in a pot, which facilitates transplanting at any time outside of frost conditions. After planting, ensure the soil is kept moist to support the establishment of the plant. This species is versatile and can be used for border accents, group plantings, or as a striking solitary feature.
Pruning is crucial for maintaining the vigor and the striking stem color of Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'. To encourage strong, bright red shoots, which are particularly showy in winter, it is advisable to prune back hard at the end of winter or early in spring. This practice also helps to rejuvenate the shrub, as the most vibrant stem color appears on new wood. Since the plant has a deciduous habit, the removal of old wood will not detract from its seasonal display of variegated foliage.
Maintaining consistent moisture is key for the shrub, particularly during its establishment period and in the growing season. While the species has average water needs, it is crucial to ensure the soil does not become waterlogged or dry out completely. During the warmer months, a deep watering is beneficial when rainfall is insufficient. This approach encourages a robust root system and is particularly important for potted specimens, which may dry out more rapidly than those in the ground. In the winter, reduce watering as the plant's water requirement decreases.
To support the vigorous growth and vibrant stem coloration of Cornus alba 'Elegantissima', fertilization is pivotal. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer early in the spring to coincide with the onset of new growth. This will provide a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season, catering to the shrub's requirements.
As this species is known for its striking red stems, which are particularly prominent after pruning, ensuring adequate nutrients will enhance this characteristic feature. An additional application of fertilizer may be beneficial during the midsummer to sustain the plant's energy demands, especially if it is grown in a soil type that is less nutrient-rich.
Regular feeding is crucial to maintain the shrub's overall health, foliage variegation, and to encourage a flush of strong, colorful new stems following the annual pruning regime.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' is renowned for its vibrant red stems, which provide a stunning contrast against the winter landscape. For the most striking display, position the plant where it can bask in the full glory of the winter sun. This species also thrives in a variety of soil types, making it a versatile addition to any garden. Regular pruning will not only maintain its shape but also encourage the growth of new stems that intensify its characteristic winter coloration.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' typically reaches a height of 2.5 meters when fully mature.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' is adaptable to various soil types, but it thrives best in well-drained soil. Ensuring proper drainage allows the plant to establish strong roots and maintain optimal growing conditions.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' thrives in a variety of light conditions, making it a versatile choice for different garden settings. This plant can be positioned in a sunny location, but it also flourishes in areas with partial shade or even full shade. For optimal leaf variegation and growth, consider providing partial shade.
The blossoms of Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' display a charming combination of yellow and white hues, adding a delightful touch to this elegant plant.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' is considered winter hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as -23.3°C to -20.1°C. This places it within the USDA's hardiness zone 6a. Consequently, this plant is well-equipped to endure cold winter conditions typical of its designated hardiness zone.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' is not an evergreen plant. It is a deciduous plant, which means it sheds its leaves in the autumn and grows new ones in the spring.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' can take approximately 5 to 10 years to reach its full height. This suggests a moderate growth rate, allowing for steady and deliberate development over a relatively extended period.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
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If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' stands out with its striking variegated foliage and distinctive red winter stems. This ornamental shrub adds year-round interest to any landscape, making it an impeccable choice for those seeking elegance and vitality in their garden. Its graceful form is a testament to its name, 'Elegantissima'.
