Cornus alba 'Argenteo-marginata'

Variegated Tatarian dogwood is a cultivar of the Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba). It is a large deciduous shrub with a distinctive variegated leaf pattern and has bright red stems during the winter. This cultivar is reportedly synonymous with a cultivar named 'Elegantissima’, but the preferred cultivar name has not yet been determined. 

The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. It will tolerate a range of soil conditions. The bright blood-red color appears on the new stems. In the spring, the oldest stems should be removed to encourage new growth. The shrub suckers and forms large colonies.

The shrub is multi-stemmed and erect with cane-like stems. It is a rapid grower and may reach 8 to 10 feet tall. It may be pruned to become a small tree. The leaves are grayish-green with creamy-colored margins. During the fall, the leaves usually become rosy red and gold. The small creamy white flowers appear in flat-topped clusters in late spring. Fruits appear in the summer and are white with bluish-green tinges. The bright red stems are very showy during the winter months. 

This plant is best used in groups or mass plantings. Naturalistic plantings in moist soils where plants are allowed to spread and form thickets will make for a low-maintenance landscape. Consider planting the variegated Tatarian dogwood along a property line as a screen. It may also be used as a hedge or shrub border. The bright red stem color adds interest to a winter landscape, and the variegated leaves will add interest during the summer. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Bright red stems during the winter
• Grayish-green, opposite leaves with creamy white margins
• Clusters of small creamy-white flowers bloom in the late spring
• White drupes with tinges of bluish-green ripen during the summer
• Fall foliage is shades of rosy red and gold

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Leaf miner and scale are less serious potential insect pests. It can also become vulnerable to borers. When stressed, the shrub is susceptible to a large number of disease problems. The most serious is dogwood anthracnose. Other diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, root rot, and leaf & twig blight.  This shrub is more vulnerable to diseases in hot summer climates.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

More information on Cornus alba.