My name is Patricia and I work in the office of the landscaping department at Stewarts Country Garden Centre. I have been given a new challenge - to choose, research and report on an exterior shrub or plant each week. Here goes for week 1.
The shrub I have chosen is the Cornus which if you are like me, you might know better as Dogwood. This shrub comes in various forms and is the ideal choice if you are looking for something green and leafy in the summer, but also gives you it's best visual display in winter. It's suitable for commercial landscaping and the private garden. The maintenance department love these shrubs.
The stems range from a stunning red (Westonbirt) through to orange (Midwinter Fire) and on to a bright citrussy green (Flaviramea). Leaves may be unremarkable on some, but still offer foliage to fill out and act as a background in the border. Others, for example Cornus alba Elegantissima, will display a pretty, variegated leaf that will add texture and focus. Most offer a display of small (but not very noticeable) flowers in May to June, but this is not the prime purpose of these unusual shrubs.
Things to note:
- Will grow in most soils and likes sun or partial shade
- Plant in groups for a great display. In 3s, 5s etc.
- Best for use when you want colour in winter, although it does offer something all year round
- Plant by water for an amazing display, doubled up by their reflection.
- Fast growing. Will need to be hard pruned February/March. Although general advice is to cut the whole shrub back to 5/10cm, here at Stewarts Landscaping, we find that hard pruning alternate stems means that we continue to have a great display and the shrubs respond well.
Well, that's my first attempt which is hopefully informative and is certainly keeping me on my toes. Watch this space!
