Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba 'Kesselringii')
Cornus alba 'Kesselringii' offers dramatic dark purple winter stems. This low-maintenance Tatarian dogwood thrives in zones 2-7.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Tatarian dogwood, specifically the cultivar Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’, is highly valued for its striking winter color, featuring exceptionally dark purple to nearly black twigs that illuminate the dormant landscape. This rapid-growing, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub provides year-round interest, transitioning from summer foliage to attractive summer flowers and finally to its signature dark stems. As a low-maintenance specimen, Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ is very adaptable, making it a staple for gardeners looking for reliable structure and unparalleled winter drama.
Native to eastern and central Asia, this particular variety of Tatarian dogwood generally matures to a manageable height of 4 to 6 feet, spreading similarly. Its adaptability to a variety of soils and its tolerance for erosion make it functionally useful in tougher landscape spots, while the summer berries attract local bird populations. The bold visual impact of the dark twigs ensures that the garden remains vibrant even after the last leaf has dropped.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Cornaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Selected Qualities: Showy flowers, Showy fruit
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-7
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-6 ft
- Spread: 3-6 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
Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ establishes best when planted in spring or fall, sited in full sun to achieve the best stem color, or part shade. This Tatarian dogwood performs exceptionally well in organically rich, consistently moist, fertile, and well-drained soils. However, it is notably tolerant; established shrubs handle occasional standing water, making it suitable for rain gardens, and they also tolerate dry spells once settled.
Watering needs are medium. While establishing, maintain consistent moisture in the soil profile. Because the best stem color occurs on younger wood, heavy pruning is recommended to renew the shrub every few years or selectively each spring. To encourage robust new growth showcasing the dark purple stems, gardeners should remove 20-25% of the oldest stems annually in early spring.
An alternative renewal strategy involves coppicing, where all stems are cut close to the ground (to about 8 inches) every two to three years during early spring. Be aware that pruning in spring might eliminate some late-season flowers, though the tiny, yellowish-white blooms are generally not considered a major ornamental loss. Avoid planting Dogwood ‘Kesselringii’ in high-heat, dry summer conditions south of USDA Zone 7, as stress can increase their vulnerability to canker.
Landscape Uses
The striking dark stems of Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ make it an excellent choice when utilized as an accent plant where stem color can be fully appreciated throughout winter. Beyond simple specimen planting, this Tatarian dogwood excels in mass plantings or groups, effectively creating dramatic property line screens or dense, informal shrub borders. Its ability to tolerate moist conditions, coupled with its tendency to spread slightly via suckers, makes it ideal for naturalistic plantings in rain garden settings.
For dynamic visual appeal, intentionally position Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ near plants offering contrasting winter stem colors, such as bright red or yellow-twig dogwoods, to maximize Bicolor interest. Its moderate size ensures it integrates seamlessly into mixed shrub borders without overwhelming neighboring flora, provided routine root trimming is performed if spread management is necessary.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ is a rapid-growing shrub recognized for its dark purple twigs during the winter months, contrasting sharply with the previous year’s green foliage. It produces small, yellowish-white flowers in late spring, followed by clusters of blue-white drupes attractive to birds in the summer. Despite its resemblance to Cornus sericea, this Tatarian dogwood typically exhibits less aggressive spreading behaviors, making site management easier for home gardeners.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
- Erosion
Potential Problems
Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ is generally hardy but can suffer from various fungal issues, notably leaf spot, twig blights, and canker, particularly when stressed by excessive heat or high humidity outside its optimal zone. Occasional insect pests include scale, borers, and leaf miners attacking the foliage or bark. Maintaining good air circulation through proper spacing and timely pruning helps mitigate disease susceptibility and keeps the plant vigorous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Tatarian dogwood suitable for?
This specific cultivar, Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’, is highly cold-hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 2 through 7.
How large does Tatarian dogwood grow?
When fully mature, Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ generally reaches heights between 4 and 6 feet, with a spread of 3 to 6 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ need?
For optimal growth and the most intensely colored dark purple winter stems, this plant prefers full sun, although it adapts well to partial shade.
When does Tatarian dogwood bloom?
Flowering for this dogwood occurs from late spring into early summer, typically spanning May to June, producing small, yellowish-white flower clusters.
Conclusion
The Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ offers exceptional value by providing year-round visual interest, most notably its dramatic dark purple winter stems, supported by low maintenance requirements. This versatile Tatarian dogwood fits well into hedges, rain gardens, or as an accent specimen. Before planting, verify USDA Zone compatibility to ensure these stems achieve their trademark dark coloration; planning for an early spring pruning schedule will guarantee decades of vibrant winter display.
Companion Planting
When planning a border featuring Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’, selecting companions that accentuate its dark winter stems is key to a year-round design. Consider planting nearby shrubs with contrasting stem colors, such as Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’ (yellow stems) or Salix integra ‘Hakuro-nishiki’ (variegated foliage that fades in winter). Since this dogwood enjoys moist, fertile soil, companion plants like hostas (in shadier spots) or ornamental grasses that tolerate medium water levels, such as certain switchgrass varieties, work effectively in rain garden or edge plantings.
Wildlife Benefits
Beyond its superb architectural structure, the Tatarian dogwood supports local fauna throughout the year. The early summer flowers, though not overly showy themselves, provide nectar for early-season pollinators, while the summer-ripening white berries are a favorite food source for many songbirds. By incorporating this shrub, gardeners contribute to local biodiversity, ensuring food resources are available as the seasons transition. The dense, multi-stemmed structure of Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ also creates excellent protective cover and nesting sites for small wildlife.
