Cornus Alba Elegentissma

Variegated tartarian dogwood

Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ — also known as Variegated Red-Twig Dogwood — is a classic, vigorous selection valued for its silvery-white–margined foliage and bright red winter stems. One of the most widely planted variegated dogwoods, it delivers dependable multi-season interest and strong landscape performance.


🌿 Plant Profile
Type: Deciduous shrub

Mature Size:



Height: ≈ 8–10 ft



Width: ≈ 8–10 ft



Foliage:



Blue-green leaves edged with creamy white to silvery margins



Bright, cooling contrast throughout the growing season



Winter Stems:



Bold red to coral-red stems in winter



Best color on young, vigorous growth



Blooms:



Small, creamy-white flowers in late spring (not showy)



Fall Color:



Foliage often turns pink, red, or purplish tones before dropping



USDA Zones: 3a–7b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (strongest color in full sun)
Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; highly adaptable, including clay
Water: Moderate; tolerates wet sites once established


🌸 Features & Landscape Uses


Form: Upright, spreading, multi-stemmed shrub



Excellent for screens, hedges, mixed shrub borders, and mass plantings



Variegated foliage brightens shaded areas and contrasts with dark evergreens



Red winter stems provide strong structure and seasonal interest



Effective in rain gardens and low areas with seasonal moisture




🍃 Care Tips


Pruning: Remove ¼–⅓ of the oldest stems at ground level each late winter to maintain vivid stem color



Water: Keep evenly moist during establishment



Maintenance: Very cold hardy, tough, and forgiving

Plant type

Flowering Shrub

Height

10'

Width

10'

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Fall color

Yellow

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Foundation Plant, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Spreading, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No