Red Stemmed Dogwood Hedge Hedge (Cornus alba)

Red Stemmed Dogwood Plants Description

Red Stemmed Dogwood is a deciduous hedging and screening plant that provides a different type of seasonal interest from evergreen hedges. Its dark-green foliage creates a full appearance through the growing season, developing red or orange tones in autumn before falling to reveal the plant's distinctive red stems.

The bright stems are particularly valuable during the winter months, when they provide strong colour against a dormant garden. Regular hard pruning helps encourage new young stems, which generally provide the strongest colour for the winter display.

Small creamy-white flowers appear in clusters in late spring and early summer, followed by small white berries. These seasonal features add further interest while the plant is in leaf.

Cornus alba is well suited to moist soils and can grow in full sun or partial shade. It adapts to clay, loam and sandy soils and can be used for hedging, screening, mixed planting or as a feature shrub.

Our Red Stemmed Dogwood range is available as bare-root and pot-grown plants in several sizes. Planting densities vary according to the size and format selected, so check the individual product listing when planning the number of plants required.

Pruning Advice

Red Stemmed Dogwood is best hard pruned when the plant is being grown primarily for its colourful young stems. Newly planted specimens should be allowed to establish for a year or two before hard pruning begins.

Once established, prune in late winter or early spring, as new growth begins to develop. For plants being coppiced for winter stem colour, cut the stems back to around 5–7.5cm above ground level. This encourages vigorous new shoots that develop strong colour for the following winter.

For established plants, regular hard pruning can help maintain a supply of younger stems with the strongest winter colour. Alternatively, some of the oldest stems can be removed to ground level each year rather than cutting the entire plant back.

Further Information

Red Stemmed Dogwood is available in bare-root and pot-grown formats, with current sizes ranging from 40/60cm to 80/100cm. The recommended planting density varies according to plant size, with the current range generally requiring between 3 and 5 plants per metre.

Smaller 40/60cm plants are recommended at 4–5 plants per metre, while 60/80cm plants are generally planted at 3–4 plants per metre and 80/100cm plants at 3 plants per metre.

When planting Red Stemmed Dogwood, choose a position in full sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Water newly planted plants regularly while they establish, particularly during periods of dry weather.

For the strongest winter stem colour, maintain a regular pruning routine once the plants are established. Hard pruning encourages fresh young stems that provide the most noticeable colour during the dormant season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red Stemmed Dogwood evergreen?

No. Red Stemmed Dogwood (Cornus alba) is deciduous, so it loses its leaves in autumn. Its bright red stems become more prominent during autumn and winter once the foliage has fallen.

How quickly does Red Stemmed Dogwood grow?

The current range gives Red Stemmed Dogwood a fast growth rate of approximately 40–60cm per year, although actual growth will depend on growing conditions and establishment.

How tall does Red Stemmed Dogwood grow?

Red Stemmed Dogwood can be maintained at approximately 1–3m with regular pruning. Its natural size can be greater if it is allowed to grow without regular maintenance.

Does Red Stemmed Dogwood need hard pruning?

Hard pruning is recommended when the plant is being grown for its colourful young stems. Once established, cutting the stems back during late winter or early spring encourages fresh growth and helps maintain the strongest winter stem colour.

What conditions are best for Red Stemmed Dogwood?

Red Stemmed Dogwood grows well in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soil. It can grow in clay, loam and sandy soils.

How many Red Stemmed Dogwood plants do I need per metre?

The recommended density depends on the size selected. The current range recommends approximately 4–5 plants per metre for 40/60cm plants, 3–4 plants per metre for 60/80cm plants and 3 plants per metre for 80/100cm plants.

Delivery & Returns

We offer free delivery within 50 miles of our nursery, making it easy to have your Red Stemmed Dogwood hedge plants delivered directly to your property within our local delivery area.

Delivery outside the 50-mile area may be available depending on your location and order. If you are unsure whether your address falls within the 50-mile area, please contact us before ordering.

All plants are carefully prepared for delivery and are covered by our 12-month plant guarantee, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.