Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba)

Also known as: Tatarian dogwood, White dogwood, Tartar privet

Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba) is a deciduous shrub celebrated for its vivid red stems, which create a striking visual contrast in winter once the leaves have fallen. It features small, creamy-white flowers that bloom from late spring into early summer, followed by white to blue-tinged berries that mature in late summer and attract birds.

**Key Characteristics**:
- **Height and Spread**: Grows between 6-10 feet in both height and width.
- **Leaves**: Green foliage that turns vibrant red or purple during the fall.

**Optimal Growing Conditions**:
- **Sunlight**: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with full sun enhancing stem color.
- **Soil**: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is versatile across different soil types.
- **Watering**: Needs consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
- **Hardiness**: Suitable for USDA zones 2-7, making it quite cold-hardy.

Regular pruning is recommended to promote the plant's vibrant stem color and maintain its shape.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Siberian dogwood

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

3 m

Spread

2.5 m to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow White Variegated

Flower Size

6 mm to 8 mm

Flower Color

White Yellow

Images of Siberian dogwood

Quickly Identify Siberian dogwood

Bright red stems in fall; greenish-red in summer with prominent lenticels.

Creamy white flowers in flat-topped clusters; faint pleasant scent; 0.2 inches (5 mm) diameter.

Distinctive white drupes with blue tint; 0.3 to 0.4 inches (7.5 to 10 mm) diameter.

Dark green leaves with slightly wrinkled upper surface; 2 to 4.5 inches (5 to 11.5 cm) long.

Thin stems with deep red color in fall; speckled texture from prominent lenticels.

Scientific Classification of Siberian dogwood

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Dogwoods, hydrangeas, and allies

Family

Dogwood

Genus

Dogwoods

Species

Siberian dogwood

Planting and Growing of Siberian dogwood

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 8 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Siberian dogwood?

Cornus alba prefers its soil to be consistently moist but never waterlogged. When watering, aim for about 500 ml of water, ensuring the moisture reaches a depth of about 6 inches. This helps cater to its root system without suffocating it.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Siberian dogwood? ›

What should I do if my Siberian dogwood is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Siberian dogwood? ›

How to save an overwatered Siberian dogwood? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Siberian dogwood?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Cornus alba thrives best in full to partial sun conditions, receiving around 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. This light range stimulates maximal growth, vibrant leaf colors, and promotes healthy stem formation.

What is the ideal light requirement? ›

How to ensure ideal lighting? ›

Benefits of ideal lighting? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Siberian dogwood?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Cornus alba thrives in temperatures ranging between 60°F and 75°F. This range allows the plant to photosynthesize efficiently and maintain a healthy growth rate. Maintaining this temperature range minimizes stress and promotes vibrant foliage.

What Soil is Best for Siberian dogwood?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Peat soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Cornus alba thrives in well-drained soil, which prevents water stagnation and root rot. Ensuring good drainage allows for optimal aeration and nutrient uptake, fostering robust growth and vibrant foliage. Although it prefers well-drained soils, Cornus alba also benefits from soil that retains some moisture. This characteristic helps maintain strong, healthy roots and supports consistent growth, especially during warmer months. Cornus alba flourishes best in nutrient-rich soils, which provide essential minerals and nutrients. Such soil supports the plant's overall health, contributing to its striking red stems and lush leaf growth. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Siberian dogwood?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Fertilizing Cornus alba involves providing the plant with essential nutrients. Typically, a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 is suitable. For liquid fertilizers, mix about 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water and apply evenly. Solid fertilizers can be applied at rates of a few ounces per plant annually, considering soil fertility and plant size. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Siberian dogwood?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Cut back to the healthy wood and make clean cuts just above a bud or stem. This stimulates growth and maintains the plant’s vitality. Trim back up to one-third of the older stems down to the base to encourage vigorous growth from the base. This will ensure a dense and vibrant bush with plenty of new, healthy shoots. Step back periodically during pruning to assess the shape and balance of the shrub. The goal is to maintain an open, yet orderly structure that allows light and air to reach the inner branches. For ongoing maintenance, prune lightly to maintain the desired shape and remove any crossing or crowded branches. Regular pruning will help manage the size and improve flowering each year. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Siberian dogwood plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Choose healthy stems from the parent plant, about 10-15 cm long, and cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to focus the plant's energy on root development.

Fill a pot with a suitable potting mix, such as a mixture of peat and perlite, which provides good drainage essential for root development. Water the mix thoroughly before planting the cuttings.

Dip the base of each cutting into the rooting hormone, then insert them about halfway into the potting mix. Firm the soil around them to keep them upright and stabilize their growth.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Siberian dogwood plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot Cornus alba when you notice roots circling the bottom of the pot or popping out at the surface. Another signal is reduced growth or frequent wilting, despite proper watering. Spring and autumn are ideal times since these are active growing seasons, allowing the plant to recover swiftly from the stress of repotting.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. This prevents waterlogged conditions which could rot the roots. A slightly bigger pot encourages root development and provides stability, fostering healthy foliage growth.

Opt for well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. This type of soil aids in retaining the right balance of moisture while offering the plant essential nutrients. It also mimics the plant's natural habitat, encouraging robust growth and vibrant coloration of the stems.