Common Dogwood (cornus sanguinea)

• Native deciduous shrub (typically 2–4m tall, occasionally larger), ideal for wildlife gardens, mixed hedges, or natural planting.
• Vibrant winter stem colour: young shoots turn bright red, providing striking seasonal interest after leaf fall.
• Creamy-white flowers in early summer attract pollinators; black berries in autumn feed birds (thrushes, blackbirds).
• Supports biodiversity: hosts numerous insects and moth caterpillars; excellent for hedgerows and woodland edges.
• Highly adaptable: tolerant of wet soils, chalk, clay, shade, and exposed sites; low-maintenance and hardy.

Planting Guide

• Best time: Bare-root November–March (dormant season); container-grown autumn or spring.
• Location: Full sun (for best stem colour) to deep shade; moist to wet, well-drained soil (tolerates heavy clay, damp, or poor sites); suitable for hedges or mass planting.
• Preparation: Dig hole twice root width; add organic matter to very poor soils.
• Planting: Set at original depth (check soil mark on stem); firm in, water thoroughly, mulch base (keep clear of stem); space 50–100cm apart for hedges.
• Aftercare: Water well first few years in dry spells; prune hard in early spring every 2–3 years for vivid stem colour (coppice to ground); minimal care otherwise; protect young plants from rabbits.