Alleman's Compact Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Alleman's Compact'
Height: 5 feet
Spread: 5 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: 2b
Other Names: C.stolonifera, Red-Osier
Description:
Brilliant red stems are a great feature during the dormant season, also outstanding fall color and attractive berries; this compact and well-behaved shrub has year-round interest
Ornamental Features
Alleman's Compact Dogwood has clusters of creamy white flowers at the ends of the branches in late spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges chartreuse in spring. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding burgundy in the fall. It produces white berries in late summer. The red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.
Landscape Attributes
Alleman's Compact Dogwood is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.
This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;
- Spreading
Alleman's Compact Dogwood is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- Hedges/Screening
- General Garden Use
- Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
Planting & Growing
Alleman's Compact Dogwood will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.