Cornus alba aka Siberian Dogwood

Taxonomy

Cornus alba, also known as red-barked, white or Siberian dogwood, is a large deciduous surculose shrub that can be grown as a small tree. Native to Siberia, northern China, and Korea, it is a popular ornamental plant used in landscaping. One of its notable features is the red stems that are visible from fall through late winter, providing bright winter bark. Some cultivars, like C. alba 'Elegantissima', also have variegated foliage. The oval fruits of this plant are white, sometimes with a blue tint. It is extremely hardy, able to withstand temperatures as low as −40 °C (−40 °F) in USDA Zone 3. The Latin specific epithet "alba" refers to its white color. Several cultivars of Cornus alba have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, including 'Aurea' with yellow leaves, 'Elegantissima' with deep red stems and small white flowers, 'Sibirica' reaching a height of 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) with brilliant red stems and cream flowers, and 'Spaethii' with variegated leaves featuring yellow margins. This erect, branched shrub can reach a height of up to 2m. Its green stems in spring transform into orange-red in winter. The leaves start off green in spring, turn yellow in summer, and develop shades of yellow, red, and burgundy in autumn. Creamy flowers appear in late spring to early summer, followed by round, white berries that ripen to a blueish-white color, providing a food source for birds. Red-Barked Dogwood, a rare houseplant belonging to the Cornus genus, is native to Eastern and Central Asia. It is easy to grow and requires regular watering to thrive. This plant prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window. It thrives in soil that retains moisture well. When repotting, it is recommended to do so each time the plant doubles in size, eliminating the need for additional fertilizers.

Common names

Siberian Dogwood, Red Barked Dogwood, Tatarian Dogwood, Tartar Privet

How to care for Siberian Dogwood

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Siberian Dogwood is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Siberian Dogwood should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Siberian Dogwood requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Tartar Privet, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Siberian Dogwood will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Siberian Dogwood prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Siberian Dogwood is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Siberian Dogwood grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Siberian Dogwood’s native range is E. Asia - Siberia to northern China and Korea.


More info:
Wikipedia