Vivid Red Dogwood Hedge (Cornus alba Sibirica)

Vivid Red Dogwood Plants Description

Vivid Red Dogwood is valued primarily for the bright red stems of Cornus alba 'Sibirica'. As a deciduous plant, it loses its foliage in autumn, revealing the colourful stems that provide strong visual interest through the winter months.

The green foliage develops reddish tones in autumn before falling. Small creamy-white flowers appear in spring and summer, followed by blue-white berries, providing additional seasonal interest while the plant is in leaf.

The 'Sibirica' cultivar has a suckering growth habit and can form a spreading group of stems over time. It is suitable for hedging and screening, as well as mixed planting and areas where winter stem colour is particularly desirable.

Vivid Red Dogwood grows well in full sun or partial shade and can adapt to clay, loam and sandy soils. It prefers moist but well-drained conditions and can be planted in both exposed and sheltered positions.

Our Vivid Red Dogwood range is available as bare-root and pot-grown plants in a selection of sizes. Planting densities vary according to the size and format selected, so check the individual product listing when planning how many plants you need.

Pruning Advice

Vivid Red Dogwood is best hard pruned when it is being grown primarily for its colourful young stems. Newly planted specimens should be allowed to establish before hard pruning begins.

Once established, prune in late winter or early spring to encourage vigorous new stems. Cut the stems back to around 5–7.5cm above ground level to encourage fresh growth with strong winter colour.

If you prefer to retain some of the plant's existing framework, older stems can instead be removed selectively at the base. This allows new shoots to develop while maintaining a more established structure.

Further Information

Vivid Red Dogwood is available in bare-root and pot-grown formats. The current range includes bare-root plants from 40/60cm to 80/100cm and pot-grown plants in 2L and 5L sizes. The product listings show the recommended planting density for each option.

For the current range, 40/60cm plants are recommended at 4–5 plants per metre, 60/80cm plants at 3–4 plants per metre and 80/100cm plants at 3 plants per metre. These recommendations apply to both the bare-root and pot-grown options currently listed.

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

For the strongest winter stem colour, hard pruning after establishment encourages fresh young stems. These younger stems generally provide the most vivid colour during the dormant season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vivid Red Dogwood evergreen?

No. Vivid Red Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Sibirica') is deciduous, so it loses its leaves in autumn. Once the foliage has fallen, the bright red stems become particularly prominent during winter.

How quickly does Vivid Red Dogwood grow?

The current range gives Vivid Red Dogwood an average growth rate of approximately 20–40cm per year. Actual growth will depend on growing conditions and establishment.

How tall does Vivid Red Dogwood grow?

Vivid Red Dogwood can be maintained at approximately 1–3m with regular pruning.

What colour are the stems of Vivid Red Dogwood?

The stems are red and become particularly vivid, bright crimson-red during winter. This strong stem colour is the main ornamental feature of Cornus alba 'Sibirica'.

When should Vivid Red Dogwood be pruned?

Once established, Vivid Red Dogwood can be hard pruned in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh young stems and maintain strong winter colour.

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

The recommended planting density depends on plant size. The current range recommends 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 Vivid Red 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.