Which Dogwood do you need?
Red Stemmed Dogwood HedgeCornus alba 'Sibirica'Red Stemmed Dogwood gives the brightest crimson stems from leaf fall until spring, a classic choice for winter colour.Colourful FoliageMedium 20-40cm per yearBare RootPot Grown- Common Dogwood HedgeCornus sanguineaCommon Dogwood is a UK native with white summer flowers, black berries and red autumn leaves, and the cheapest at about £8 a metre.Colourful FoliageMedium 20-40cm per yearBare RootPot Grown
- Yellow Stemmed Dogwood HedgeCornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'Yellow Stemmed Dogwood brightens dull corners and looks striking planted alternately with the red-stemmed form.Colourful FoliageMedium 20-40cm per yearBare RootPot Grown
- Midwinter Fire Dogwood HedgeCornus 'Midwinter Fire'Midwinter Fire has glowing orange, yellow and red stems on a more compact, slower-growing plant for smaller gardens.Colourful FoliageSlow 10-20cm per yearBare RootPot Grown
Common or Red Stemmed Dogwood?
| Compare | Common Dogwood | Red Stemmed Dogwood |
|---|---|---|
| Native to the UK | Yes | No (ornamental) |
| Winter stems | Dark red-green | Bright crimson |
| Flowers and berries | White flowers, black berries for birds | White flowers, white berries |
| Best for | Native and mixed wildlife hedges | Ornamental winter colour |
| Bare root from | £1.20 a plant | £1.95 a plant |
Gwynne's Grower's Tip
The colour in a coloured-stem Dogwood is on the young growth, so how you trim it decides how bright it is. If winter colour matters most, cut a third of the oldest stems right down each spring rather than clipping the whole hedge tight. If you want a fuller hedge with flowers and berries, prune more lightly and accept a little less colour.
For a really eye-catching boundary, plant Red and Yellow Stemmed alternately. And if the ground is damp or heavy, Dogwood is one of the few hedges I'd happily put there.
Dogwood buying questions
01Is Dogwood evergreen?
No. Dogwood is deciduous: it loses its leaves in autumn, which is when the coloured stems become the main feature. It is not a choice for year-round privacy.
02Will Dogwood grow in wet soil?
Yes. Dogwood is one of the best hedges for damp, heavy and clay soils, as long as the ground is not permanently waterlogged. See our hedges for wet soil for other options.
03Which Dogwood is native to the UK?
Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is native and is often used in mixed native hedges. Red Stemmed, Yellow Stemmed and Midwinter Fire are ornamental forms grown for their winter stem colour.
Growing Advice for Dogwood Hedging
What is Dogwood
Dogwood, known scientifically as Cornus, is a diverse genus of plants, encompassing a variety of shrubs and small trees that are highly regarded for their ornamental value and environmental benefits. Dogwood hedges, particularly, stand out for their striking beauty and adaptability, making them a favoured choice among gardeners and landscapers. These hedges are celebrated for their vibrant foliage, which transitions through a palette of colours with the changing seasons, and their delicate flowers that bloom profusely in spring or early summer, depending on the species. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, dogwood hedges offer habitats and food for wildlife, supporting local biodiversity. Additionally, dogwood hedges encourage local birds and other small animals into outdoor areas, providing sustenance for wildlife and creating a sheltered nesting site for birds. This introduction aims to highlight the essential qualities and uses of dogwood hedges, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their care, varieties, and landscaping potential. | |
Dogwood Growth Rates
One of the key considerations when incorporating dogwood into your garden or landscape is understanding its growth rate and mature size. Generally, dogwoods exhibit a moderate growth rate, approximately 1 to 2 feet per year, depending on the specific variety and growing conditions.
This manageable rate of growth makes them ideal for hedges and landscape features, as they do not require frequent pruning to maintain shape and size. Mature sizes can vary widely among the different species of dogwood. While some shrub varieties may only reach heights of 3 to 4 feet, certain tree species can grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall.
The spread of dogwood plants is also quite variable, with some species extending outwards as much as they grow tall.
This variability emphasises the importance of selecting a species that matches the intended use and available space in your garden or landscape design.