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Plant of the Week; Cornus

 

This deciduous shrub has oval, dark green leaves and produces small, creamy-white flowers in May and June. But it's really grown for the bright, coral-red stems that are revealed when the leaves fall. This lovely shrub looks stunning planted in groups, beside water, or in a winter border. Best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade and happy in most soils, including chalky, wet and waterlogged conditions.
 
Popular varieties include ‘Elegantissima’ AGM (variegated leaves, red stems), ‘Siberica’ AGM (red), ‘Flaviramea’ (yellow) and the relative newcomer ‘Midwinter Fire’ with superb orange stems.