NGC - Dogwoods for the Prairies

ORNAMENTAL SHRUB

CORNUS: DOGWOOD

Dogwoods are attractive throughout the whole year. They start off in spring with clusters of creamy white flowers followed by bright bunches of pearly white ornamental berries that attract birds in the summer. The leaves turn to a spectacular color in the fall and when winter comes, the bright colorful stems provide a stunning contrast to the snowy landscape. Dogwoods prefer a location with full sun to partial shade.

Dogwood Cultivars for the Prairies

Cultivar Name	Size	Zone	Foliage	Bark Color	Description
Bud's Yellowtwig Dogwood Cornus sericea 'Bud's Yellow'	6-8' (2.5m) x 6-8' (2.5m)	3		Yellow	An improved and hardier yellow-stemmed selection that is not subject to dieback. It has better foliage and more consistent bark color.
Cardinal Dogwood Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'	8-10' (3m) x 10' (3m)	3		Bright cherry- red	A Minnesota Landscape Arboretum introduction.
Coral Dogwood Cornus alba 'Siberica'	6-8' (2.5m) x 5-6' (1.75m)	3		Coral-red (best color on current year's growth)	White berries turn to a bluish color in the fall.
Golden Variegated Dogwood Cornus alba 'Gouchaulti'	4-5' (1.5m) x 4-5' (1.5m)	3	Variegated: yellow and rose leaf margins with a green & rose centre	Bright red	Golden Variegated is not as upright as the Silver Variegated in form. Prune annually in order to get the most vibrant foliage color.
Ivory Halo Dogwood Cornus alba 'Bailhalo'	4-5' (1.5m) x 4-5' (1.5m)	3	Silver variegated.	Vivid red	An upright, more compact selection of Silver Variegated Dogwood with a finer texture. This slow growing variety requires little pruning. Makes a great contrast or accent shrub.
Kelsey Dwarf Dogwood Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi'	2-3' (.9m) x 2-3' (.9m)	3	Green turning to yellow in fall.	Red	A compact, rounded shrub with masses of white flowers. Prefers moist to wet soils.
Morden Amber Dogwood Cornus alba 'Morden Amber'	6-8' (2.5m) x 4-6' (1.75m)	2	Golden	Dark red	Beautiful shrub with it's contrasting foliage and bark colors.
Prairie Fire Dogwood Cornus alba 'Prairie Fire'	6-8' (2.5m) x 4-6' (1.75m)	2	Solid gold turning firey red in the fall	Orange red stems, best color on young growth	A selection of European dogwood.
Redosier Dogwood Cornus sericea	6-10' (3m) x 6-10' (3m)	2	Green turning to crimson red in the fall	Deep red	Large mounding shrub that prefers moist to wet locations. Songbirds love the bluish-white berries.
Siberian Pearl Dogwood Cornus alba 'Siberian Pearl'	5-6' (1.75m) x 5-6' (1.75m)	2	Deep green foliage with excellent rich reddish- purple fall color	Deep red	Compact variety that produces masses of berries. Berries start off pale blue, then turn to a bright white with blue-black tips.
Siberian Red Dogwood Cornus alba 'Siberica'	5-6' (1.75m) x 4-5' (1.5m)	2	Deeply veined green foliage that turns brilliant red in fall.	Bright red	Small white blossoms in May followed by bluish to white fruit. Tolerates moist and shady locations.
Silver & Gold Dogwood Cornus sericea 'Silver & Gold'	5-6' (1.75m) x 5-6' (1.75m)	3	Yellow- green variegated	Bright yellow	A variegated form of Redosier Dogwood selected for its unique stem and leaf coloring and ease of culture. A spreading shrub with bright yellow stems.

Revised by Rachel Giesbrecht on July 4, 2005.