Cornus ALBA SIBIRICA

Cornus ALBA SIBIRICA - Siberian dogwood, Coral bark dogwood, Cornus alba 'Sibirica'.

Can be grown indoors in bonsai style.

The genus Cornus belongs to the family Cornaceae. Nearly 50 species belong to this genus. Many species are actively used in landscaping and garden design. One such cultivar is the white dogwood 'Sibirica'. Growth form - a deciduous fast-growing shrub. In a garden it reaches sizes from 1.5 to 2.5 m (5-8 ft). The crown is broad and spreading, about 2 m (6.6 ft) in diameter.

Cornus alba 'Sibirica' is a medium-sized fast-growing shrub up to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall with slender ornamental shoots. The bark on young shoots is purplish-red and very showy. In winter the shoots also display vivid, richly coral-red bark. It is very similar to the form 'Elegantissima', but exhibits less vigorous growth. Leaves are broad, ovate, gray-green with a white margin, somewhat rugose, and glaucous-white beneath. In autumn they turn violet-red. Flowers are small, white, gathered in numerous corymbose inflorescences. Fruits are small, round, and berry-like.

Seeds are stratified for 2 months in a cold environment at 4-5 °C (39-41 °F). In home conditions, seeds are placed in a refrigerator. Before planting, seeds are soaked in warm water for 24 hours, scarified if necessary, then sown to a depth of 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) and covered with a layer of soil. They are moistened from a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in the light at 21-22 °C (70-72 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the sowing must be avoided.

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Dogwood will grow in any soil, but performs especially well in slightly acidic soils. It is desirable to choose sites with loamy or sandy loam ground. If the soil is heavy and clayey, sand should be added; if on the contrary it is too light and sandy, the situation can be remedied by adding clay. Incorporating peat and humus will also be beneficial.

Winter hardiness is high. Light-demanding, tolerates partial shade. Drought-resistant. Undemanding regarding soils, but develops better in fertile, moist soils. Tolerates shearing and rejuvenative pruning well. Plant in moist, well-drained soils, or in locations with watering capabilities. To obtain brightly colored shoots, cutting out branches older than 3 years of age is necessary.