Variegated Dogwood Cornus alba 'Argenteo-marginata'

"Argenteo-marginata' or variegated Tatarian dogwood is a Tatarian dogwood cultivar. It is a large deciduous shrub with a distinctive variegated leaf pattern and has bright red stems during the winter. The shrub is multi-stemmed, erect, and usually has unbranched stems. It is a rapid grower and may reach a height of 8 to 10 feet tall. It may be pruned to become a small tree.

The species plant, Cornus alba or Tartarian dogwood is a native of eastern and central Asia or in areas inhabited by Tatars. Tatars are members of the Turkic ethnic group that live in Tartarstan, parts of Russia, and Ukraine. 

The genus name, Cornus, is from the Latin word, cornu, which means "horn,' referencing the hardness of the wood. The species name, alba, means "white." This references the white fruits.

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 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. 

The fruits are attractive to birds, and the shrub provides nesting sites.  Members of the genus Cornus support the following specialized bee such as Andrena (Gonandrena) fragilis, Andrena (Gonandrena) Integra, and Andrena (Gonandrena) platyparia.

This cultivar is reportedly synonymous with a cultivar named 'Elegantissima.' The preferred cultivar name has not yet been determined. 

The Tatarian dogwood is very similar to red twig dogwood, but it does not spread as vigorously. 

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. 

Seasons of Interest:

Foliage: Fall    Bloom: Spring   Fruit: Summer  Twigs: Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• bright red stems during the winter
• grayish-green 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 are 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.