Red Stemmed Dogwood Hedge Hedge (Cornus alba)

Red Stemmed Dogwood (Cornus alba) Hedge Plants Description

Red Stemmed Dogwood, or Cornus alba, is a striking shrub known for its year-round appeal. In spring, it produces creamy white flowers, followed by clusters of blue or white berries. Its oval, dark-green leaves turn a rich red in autumn before falling to reveal the vivid red stems that brighten winter landscapes. This plant works beautifully in mixed hedges or as a stand-alone feature, adding vibrant colour to shrub beds or borders.

Red Twig Dogwoods are exceptionally hardy and thrive in sunny or partially shaded locations, particularly in moist soils. They are also well-suited for planting in front of evergreen hedges, where they tolerate limited nutrients, water, and sunlight, making them a versatile choice for a variety of landscape settings. Their ability to provide year-round interest makes them a popular choice for both functional hedging and decorative planting.

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.