Red Stemmed Dogwood Hedge Hedge (Cornus alba)

Why Choose a Red Stemmed Dogwood?

The red stemmed dogwood is famous for its vivid crimson bark that brightens landscapes from November through March, providing architectural interest when the rest of the garden is dormant.

• Seasonal Transitions: In addition to spring blooms, the foliage of the Cornus alba transforms into a rich, fiery red during the autumn months.
• Hardiness: These are exceptionally hardy shrubs that thrive in both sun and partial shade. They are particularly well-suited for moist soils where other hedging might struggle.
• Wildlife Friendly: The spring flowers and subsequent blue or white berries provide vital food sources for pollinators and birds.

Planting and Versatility

While often discussed alongside small dogwood trees, the Cornus alba variety is most effective when planted as a dogwood hedge or a red stemmed dogwood hedge. Its multi-stemmed growth habit creates a dense screen that works beautifully as a boundary or a backdrop for evergreen species.

Maintenance Tip

To maintain the brightest stem colour, a cornus hedge should be "stooled" or hard-pruned in early spring. This encourages the plant to produce the fresh, young shoots that carry the most intense red pigment.

• Botanical Name: Cornus alba
• Common Name: Cornus dogwood / Red Stemmed Dogwood
• Ideal For: Dogwood hedge, mixed borders, moist soil areas
• Growth Rate: Fast (40–60cm per year)
• Foliage: Deciduous (Stunning autumn colour)

Whether you are designing a large-scale cornus hedge or looking for individual plants to complement existing dogwood trees in your landscape, our Cornus alba stock is available year-round to help you achieve a professional, colourful finish.

Pruning Advice

To achieve the most vibrant stem colours, Dogwoods require a specific care approach often referred to as tough love. In the first year, avoid pruning to allow the plant to establish. After the initial year, prune the shrub annually before it begins to bud, typically in February or March. Cut the stems back to a woody base, leaving around 4 inches from the ground. Regular feeding and watering will promote healthy growth, resulting in bright new shoots each season.

For older plants, rejuvenation is possible by selectively removing the older wood from the centre of the plant. This encourages fresh growth and maintains the plant's overall vitality and appearance. This method not only enhances the vibrant stem colour but also helps maintain the plant's structure and health over time. Proper pruning and care are essential to ensuring the dogwood thrives and continues to deliver its bold winter display year after year.

Further Information

Our recommended planting densities for each size and root type are detailed in the product grid. These recommendations serve as a guide, allowing you to consider how quickly you wish to achieve a mature hedge. As a general reference, bare root plants can be planted at densities ranging from 3 to 7 per metre, while cell-grown plants should be spaced between 4 and 6 per metre. For higher densities, planting in a double staggered row or zig-zag pattern is advised.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £9.98 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £250 | or £24.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £82 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.