Cornus alba 'Argenteo-marginata' (Variegated Dogwood)
Michael's Opinion
One of the most popular dogwoods because of its reliability, hardiness and brave show of variegated leaves. This plant should be pruned to remove old stems, maintaining plant vigour and the red winter colour of new twig growth. It is often misused as a clipped hedge and often contracts dogwood blight and canker as a result.
Botanical Information
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Species | alba |
| Cultivar | 'Argenteo-marginata' |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (deciduous) |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 3 to 7 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 2 |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -40 to -46 |
| Temperature (°F) | - 40 to -50 |
| Height | 2.5 m |
| Spread | 2.5 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | May |
Description and Growing Information
| ID Characteristic | Leaves have an irregular creamy white margin, white winter stems are red. |
| Landscape | Often misused as a clipped hedge. Best planted in a shrub border in large masses. |
| Propagation | Cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Will tolerate dry soils once established and thrives in full sun. |
| Pests | Dogwood blight, canker, leaf spot and powedery mildew. |
| Notable Specimens | Very common through the province. |
| Habitat | Horticultural origin. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Red when young but turning grey with age. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Appressed, valvate, pubescent, deep red to brown colour. |
| Leaf Description | Opposite, simple, irregular creamy white margin with grayish green center |
| Flower Description | Perfect, yellowish white. |
| Fruit Description | Drupe, white or slightly bluish. |
| Colour Description | Irregular creamy white margin with gray green center. |
| Texture Description | Medium. |
Photographs
Autumn colour can be quite intense.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'.
.jpg "Cornus alba 'Aurea'.")
Cornus alba 'Aurea'.