Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba)

Siberian dogwood

Also known as: Tatarian dogwood, White dogwood, Tartar privet

Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba) is a perennial flowering shrub best known for its red bark that makes a beautiful display when the tree loses its leaves in winter. It produces small but showy white flowers from spring to summer. Berries appear late summer and ripen in fall. Plant in full sun for best color in moist but well-drained soil.

Scientific classification

Species

Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba)

Dogwoods, hydrangeas, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

3 m

Plant Height

2.5 m to 3 m

Spread

Green, Yellow, White, Variegated

Leaf Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Siberian dogwood

Distribution of Siberian dogwood

Distribution Map

Siberian dogwood is a plant with native roots in Eastern Asia, where it is found primarily in forested areas and along riverbanks. Beyond its indigenous regions, siberian dogwood has been introduced and is now established across parts of Northern and Eastern Europe, as well as in specific locales of Northeast Asia. Additionally, siberian dogwood has been incorporated into cultivation, enjoying popularity as an ornamental species.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Mixed broad-leaved and coniferous forests, mixed thickets by streams

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Economic Value

White dogwood seeds have extremely high oil content and can be used for industrial purposes.

Garden Use

The siberian dogwood attracts interest with its ruddy stems, its key ornamental feature. It can be planted in pollinator, rain, and winter gardens in a range of ways, but hedges, property screenings, and thickets are among the most popular uses. It also can be useful in landscaping, helping erosion control. Lastly, the color is well accompanied by ornamental grasses like Aureola Hakone grass and Elijah Blue fescue or plants such as Furzey winter heath and Rheinland astilbe.

Symbolism

Faith and diligence

Interesting Facts

Siberian dogwood branches are red all year round, and the colder it is the redder the branch, which is a nice warm color in a northern snow world. In summer, the siberian dogwood leaves are green, turn red in late autumn, and purple-red in winter.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Siberian dogwood, including the following common varieties :

Red barked dogwood 'Elegantissima'Red barked dogwood 'Aurea'Red barked dogwood 'Spaethii'Red barked dogwood 'Kesselringii'Red barked dogwood 'Sibirica'

Quickly Identify Siberian dogwood

Bright red stems in fall; greenish-red in summer with prominent lenticels.

Creamy white flowers in flat-topped clusters; faint pleasant scent; 0.2 inches (5 mm) diameter.

Distinctive white drupes with blue tint; 0.3 to 0.4 inches (7.5 to 10 mm) diameter.

Dark green leaves with slightly wrinkled upper surface; 2 to 4.5 inches (5 to 11.5 cm) long.

Thin stems with deep red color in fall; speckled texture from prominent lenticels.

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Care Guide for Siberian dogwood

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Siberian dogwood prefers environments with cold winters and moderate summers, thriving in consistently moist but well-drained soil. Water it biweekly, increasing during the growing season to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Its hardiness makes it suitable for outdoor conditions and seasonal adaptations.

Fertilize: Fertilizing siberian dogwood promotes growth and improves stem color. Apply balanced fertilizers in early spring and during the growing season if needed, following package instructions to avoid over-fertilization. Seasonal variations align with siberian dogwood's dormancy, and watering after application aids absorption while avoiding root contact.

Pruning: Siberian dogwood thrives with annual pruning in early spring; remove one-third of older stems to boost new growth and color. Thin crowded areas for better air circulation. Regular pruning enhances plant health and stem vibrancy. Focus on older branches for optimal results.

Propagation: For successful propagation of siberian dogwood, take 4-6 inch softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer from a healthy parent plant. Apply rooting hormone, plant in well-draining organic soil, and maintain consistent moisture with indirect sunlight for optimal root establishment before transplanting.

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Images of Siberian dogwood

Distribution of Siberian dogwood

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Siberian dogwood

Care Guide for Siberian dogwood

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