Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba 'Argenteomarginata')
Variegated Tatarian dogwood, Cornus alba 'Argenteomarginata', offers stunning red winter stems and cream-edged foliage. A low-maintenance shrub for sun to partial shade.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’ is a highly valued deciduous shrub, commonly known as variegated Tatarian dogwood. Its primary appeal rests in its year-round interest, highlighted by ovate, gray-green leaves broadly edged in cream or white, providing excellent contrast against the bright red young winter stems. This rapid-growing shrub is multifunctional, serving effectively as a screen, hedge, or specimen accent when its winter color can be fully appreciated.
The Tatarian dogwood typically matures between 8 and 10 feet high and spreads 5 to 10 feet, developing dense, multi-stemmed growth. Although it produces small, yellowish-white flowers in late spring, the foliage and stem color are the main ornamental draws of Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’. It is generally considered a low-maintenance selection that thrives across a wide range of soil conditions in USDA Zones 3 through 7.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Cornaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 8-10 ft
- Spread: 5-10 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Yellowish-white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal establishment and stem color, plant Tatarian dogwood where it receives full sun to light part shade. This shrub prefers organically rich, fertile, and consistently moist, well-drained soils, though established plants show good tolerance for occasional dry spells or standing water. Planting during the dormant season (early spring or fall) is recommended.
Watering should remain consistent, especially while the shrub is young, to support its medium water needs. Fertilization is rarely required if the soil is fertile. If colonial spread via suckers is unwanted, trim boundary roots with a spade and promptly remove any unwanted root suckers that emerge.
The best red stem color occurs on younger wood. Although pruning is not mandatory, actively pruning 20-25% of the oldest stems each early spring stimulates the growth of vibrant new replacement stems. Alternatively, you can coppice the entire shrub close to the ground (about 8 inches) every 2 to 3 years for a full renewal. Note that pruning late in spring may sacrifice the small, somewhat unremarkable flowers.
Landscape Uses
Tatarian dogwood excels in naturalistic plantings where massing is desired, allowing it to form dense thickets perfect for property line screens or shrub borders. Because Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’ reaches a substantial size, utilizing it as a backdrop planting or incorporating it into a hedge row provides year-round structure. The variegated foliage of this cultivar softens the look during the growing season.
In colder climates, its brilliant red winter stems provide essential structure and color when deciduous plants go dormant. Design the garden to contrast this red against evergreen shrubs or the white backdrop of snow. For an interesting, multi-hued winter effect, group Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’ near dogwood varieties displaying yellow or lime-green stems.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
The outstanding ornamental features of this cultivar are its bright red winter stems, which are particularly showy against snow, and its striking ovate, gray-green leaves broadly edged with cream or white. Flowers lead to attractive white berries desirable to birds, and fall color can include interesting shades of rose and gold. Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’ is generally less aggressively spreading than some other red-twig varieties.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Erosion
Potential Problems
Tatarian dogwood is susceptible to several fungal issues, including leaf spot, twig and leaf blights, and canker, especially when stressed. Plants become more vulnerable to canker if grown in hot summer climates south of USDA Zone 7. Occasionally, insect pests like scale, leaf miners, and borers may appear. Maintain plant health through proper pruning to encourage airflow, and promptly remove any diseased or damaged wood to limit pathogen spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tatarian dogwood suitable for?
Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 3 through 7.
How large does the variegated Tatarian dogwood grow?
The mature height typically ranges between 8 to 10 feet, with a similar spread of 5 to 10 feet.
What sun exposure does Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’ need?
This dogwood prefers full sun for the best foliage and stem color, but it tolerates partial shade well.
When does the Tatarian dogwood bloom?
The creamy white to yellowish-white flowers appear between May and June, sometimes followed by sparse flowering later in the summer.
Conclusion
The variegated foliage and brilliant winter stem color make Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’ an invaluable, low-maintenance component for garden structure across its suitable hardiness range. Ensure you plan for its ultimate size and implement yearly pruning to maximize the ornamental red stems of this superb Tatarian dogwood cultivar. Check your local USDA zone compatibility before making your final planting decision.
Companion Planting
When selecting companions for Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’, focus on plants that either highlight its bright winter red or thrive in similar moist, well-drained soil conditions. Excellent partners include plants with dark evergreen foliage, such as Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata), which creates a dramatic winter contrast. In the summer months, late-blooming perennials like Astilbe or robust ornamental grasses that appreciate consistent moisture will pair visually well with the dogwood’s height and variegation.
For naturalistic plantings, this dogwood blends well with other moisture-loving shrubs or larger ferns placed in part shade locations. If using it as a hedge, ensuring space for its natural spreading habit (5-10 ft spread) prevents overcrowding, allowing air circulation which mitigates potential disease issues like blight.
Wildlife Benefits
One of the overlooked benefits of the Tatarian dogwood is its contribution to local ecosystems, particularly during winter and mid-summer. The small, yellowish-white flowers, though not showy, attract various beneficial insects and are noted as being fragrant, offering modest pollinator support in late spring. More significantly, the white berries (drupes), which ripen in mid-summer and are tinged with blue-green, are highly attractive to many species of songbirds.
Planting groups of Cornus alba ‘Argenteomarginata’ provides essential cover and nesting structure, complementing its value as a food source. Placing shrubs near feeding stations can encourage bird activity across the garden plot throughout the year.
