Dogwoods (Cornus) for stem colour / RHS Plant Guide

Winter stem colour dogwood

RHS Genus Guide

Some dogwoods have colourful young stems and can be pruned annually (‘coppiced’) to make the most of this feature. They are regularly planted in winter gardens en-masse alongside early bulbs to create a stunning display. Excellent for adding height and colour to winter containers and for brightening up floral displays.

Botanical name: Cornus

RHS/Clive Nichols

Appearance

Once the leaves have fallen in autumn, their true glory is the bright red, orange, yellow or acid green stems. These are often cut to the ground in spring, leaving just small woody stumps. Then, as the season progresses, new whippy growth is sent skywards creating a dense thicket of stems and leaves, reaching a height of around 1.2m (4ft). Unpruned, stems are topped off with white, flat flower plates in early summer.

Preferences

These dogwoods can grow in any soil, but preferably reliably moist to promote growth. The stems colour best in full sun.

Dislikes

They will not grow well in extremely dry soil or in deep shade.

Did you know?

To get the best winter stem colour, you’ll need to cut off all of the stems (coppice) annually in early spring, about 5cm (2in) above ground level. Over time the base will form a permanent low framework known as a stool.

RHS Growing Guide