This family of shrubs and small trees contains some of the best landscape plants available. All are known for spring flowers, fall berries, and a spectacular autumn color. Dogwood will fare well anywhere except where the summers are extremely hot and dry. The Siberian or tatarian dogwood (C. alba) has white flowers in spring followed by light blue berries, and vivid red twigs all winter. The red-osier (C. sericea) has white fruits and flowers. This species has a variety called Flaviramea, with yellow twigs. The Cornelian cherry (C. mas) is covered with a cloud of yellow flowers in very early spring. It can reach 24 feet in height and the others grow to 10 feet.
Soil: Rich, moist
Light: Full sun or part shade
Zone: 3 - 5
Comments
Prune those with colored twigs often to force new, more highly colored growth.
