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Cornus alba 'Wintersun'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

dogwood 'Wintersun'

An erect, branched, twiggy shrub to 2m in height, with green stems turning to orange-red in winter, bearing green leaves in spring, then yellow in summer, turning to shades of yellow, red and burgundy in autumn. Creamy flowers in late spring to early summer followed by round, white berries ripening to blueish-white

Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Cream White
Summer Cream White
Autumn Orange Red White Blue
Winter Orange Red
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see winter stem colour cultivation or flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers
Pruning

Pruning group 7

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose.

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