Cornus alba 'Spaethii'

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Grows best in full sun to partial shade; full sun encourages brighter stem colour, while partial shade can prevent leaf scorch in hot climates.

• Soil Preferences: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but tolerates a wide range, including clay, sandy, and loamy types.

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

• Moisture Needs: Enjoys consistent moisture, especially during dry spells—ideal for planting near ponds or streams.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or autumn, allowing roots to settle before summer heat or winter cold.

• Spacing: Space 1.5–2 metres apart when used in groups or informal hedges.

• Positioning Tips: Perfect for mixed shrub borders, wildlife gardens, and winter-interest plantings.

• Shelter Needs: Fully hardy and tolerant of exposed sites; thrives in both urban and rural conditions.

• Container Growing: Can be grown in large pots, but requires more frequent watering and feeding than in-ground plants.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep evenly moist while establishing.

  • Once mature, water deeply during extended dry periods.

  • Mulching helps conserve moisture and reduces 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 display, cut back one-third to one-half of older stems to ground level each spring.

  • Remove dead, damaged, or crossing stems at the same time.

  • Every 2–3 years, plants can be cut back hard to rejuvenate growth.

• Mulching: Apply a 5–8 cm mulch layer of compost, bark, or leaf mould in spring. Keep mulch a few centimetres away from the stems to avoid rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally trouble-free; occasional aphids or leaf spot may occur—treat if necessary.

• Winter Care: Fully hardy; no protection needed in most UK and Irish gardens.

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

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Broad, oval leaves with bright yellow margins and green centres, adding variegated colour through spring and summer.

• Winter Stems: Striking red stems provide vibrant winter interest, especially against snow, frost, or evergreen backdrops.

• Flowers: Flat clusters of creamy-white blooms in late spring to early summer.

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

• Form: Multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub with an upright, spreading habit.

• Growth Rate and Size: Fast-growing; reaches 2–3 metres high with a similar spread if left unpruned.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers support pollinators, berries feed birds, and dense branches offer shelter.

• Ornamental Value: Combines spring/summer variegation with a spectacular winter stem display for year-round interest.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Winter gardens for vivid stem colour.

  • Mixed shrub borders for texture and foliage contrast.

  • Informal hedging for privacy and seasonal appeal.

  • Lakeside or streamside planting where soil stays moist.

• Seasonal Appeal: Bright foliage in summer, berries in late summer, and bold stems in winter ensure constant visual interest.

• Longevity: Long-lived and low-maintenance when pruned regularly to encourage young, colourful stems.

• 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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.