Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Grows best in full sun to partial shade; foliage colour is brightest in full sun, while partial shade can help in very hot regions.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils.

• pH Range: Tolerates acidic, neutral, and slightly alkaline conditions (pH 5.5–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Naturally found in moist environments; thrives with regular watering, especially in dry spells.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn, allowing roots to establish before extreme heat or frost.

• Spacing: Allow 1.5–2 metres between plants for hedging or mass planting.

• Positioning Tips: Ideal for mixed shrub borders, winter-interest planting, and informal hedges.

• Shelter Needs: Hardy and tolerant of exposed conditions; performs well in urban and rural settings alike.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large containers with good-quality compost and regular watering.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season.

  • Once established, water deeply during prolonged dry periods.

  • Mulching helps retain soil moisture and reduce watering frequency.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer in spring to encourage strong growth and vivid stem colour.

• Pruning:

  • For the best winter stem colour, cut back about one-third to one-half of older stems to ground level in early spring before new growth starts.

  • Remove any damaged or crossing stems at the same time.

  • Can be pruned more heavily every 2–3 years for rejuvenation.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm layer of organic mulch (compost, bark, or leaf mould) in spring to conserve moisture and improve soil structure. Keep mulch away from direct contact with stems.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free; occasionally susceptible to leaf spot or aphids—treat promptly if needed.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy in the UK and Ireland; no special protection needed.

• Weed Control: Keep the base of the plant weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Attractive variegated leaves with creamy-white margins and soft green centres, providing colour from spring through autumn.

• Winter Stems: Young stems turn bright red in winter, creating striking seasonal interest, especially against snow or evergreens.

• Flowers: Clusters of small, creamy-white flowers appear in late spring to early summer.

• Berries: White to pale blue berries follow the flowers, attracting birds.

• Form: Multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with a dense, bushy habit.

• Growth Rate and Size: Moderate to fast-growing; reaches 2–3 metres in height with a similar spread at maturity.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers attract pollinators; berries provide food for birds.

• Ornamental Value: Combines colourful stems, variegated foliage, and seasonal blooms for multi-season appeal.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Winter gardens for stem colour.

  • Mixed borders for texture and foliage contrast.

  • Naturalised planting along streams or ponds.

  • Informal hedging for structure and privacy.

• Seasonal Appeal: Variegated foliage in spring/summer, berries in late summer, and vivid stems in winter ensure year-round interest.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance when pruned regularly to encourage fresh growth.

• Size
  C 4,6

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.