Vivid Red Dogwood Hedge (Cornus alba Sibirica)

Vivid Red Stemmed Dogwood (Cornus alba Sibirica) Hedge Plants Description

Dogwoods are primarily grown for their vibrant stems, providing a striking burst of colour in autumn and winter. Several varieties are available, all sharing similar traits: creamy white flowers in spring, followed by blue or white berries, and oval dark green leaves that turn red in autumn. As the leaves fall, they reveal the brilliant coloured stems, which add significant visual interest to any landscape. Dogwoods perform well as part of a mixed hedge or as standalone plants, enhancing the beauty of gardens throughout the year.

Highly resilient, Dogwoods thrive in both sunny locations and partial shade, particularly in moist areas. They are also well-suited for planting in front of evergreen hedges, where limited nutrients, water, and sunlight are available. Robins and mistle thrushes are particularly drawn to the berries in late summer and early autumn, making this plant an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens.

To achieve the brightest coloured stems, Dogwoods benefit from a specific care approach. In the first year, pruning should be avoided to allow the plant to establish. After that, annual pruning should be carried out before the buds form, typically in February or March. Cut the stems back to a woody base, leaving approximately 4 inches from the ground. With proper feeding and watering, this method will encourage vibrant new growth each year. Older plants can be rejuvenated by removing the older wood from the centre of the plant, promoting healthier and more vigorous shoots.

Pruning Advice

To achieve the brightest coloured stems, Dogwoods should be treated with tough love. Do not prune them in the first year to allow for proper establishment. After the first year, before the buds appear (typically in February or March), cut the stems down to a woody base, leaving around 4 inches above the ground. Feed and water the plant well, and you will be rewarded with vibrant new shoots. Older plants can be revitalised by removing the old wood from the centre, encouraging fresh growth.

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.