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Sgt. Pepper Dogwood Cornus alba

Flower Season
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
Mature Size
6' 8' 1.8m 2.4m
Height: 4' - 6'
Spread: 6' - 8'
Height: 1.2m - 1.8m
Spread: 1.8m - 2.4m
New Plant
  • Details

    48 - 72 Inches
    72 - 96 Inches
    72 - 96 Inches
    1.2m - 1.8m
    1.8m - 2.4m
    1.8m - 2.4m

    Features

    Stately color in two extremes. The first is a refreshing bright green and cream, with hints of pale pink on the margins. The second is in fall when the whole plant erupts into a fabulous burgundy and hot pink duo. Even the stems are burgundy! If you’ve ever seen a tri-color beech, Sgt. Pepper dogwood is a lot like that, but in a much easier to use form. With its large size, it makes a great anchor for the garden. You can position it at the back of the garden to work as a foundation plant, breaking up the straight lines of a building with its rounded form. It would also make an incredible hedge or specimen plant.

    Top reasons to grow Sgt. Pepper dogwood?

    • Bright color
    • Useful large habit
    • Adaptable to many different garden conditions
    Foliage Interest
    Fall Interest
    Winter Interest
    Resists: 
    Deer

    Characteristics

    Plant Type: 
    Shrub
    Shrub Type: 
    Deciduous
    Height Category: 
    Tall
    Garden Height: 
    48 - 72 Inches 1.2m - 1.8m
    Spacing: 
    72 - 96 Inches 1.8m - 2.4m
    Spread: 
    72 - 96 Inches 1.8m - 2.4m
    Flower Colors: 
    White
    Flower Shade: 
    White
    Foliage Colors: 
    Green
    Foliage Shade: 
    Variegated green and white
    Habit: 
    Upright
    Container Role: 
    Thriller

    Plant Needs

    Light Requirement: 
    Part Shade
    Light Requirement: 
    Sun

    The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

    Maintenance Category: 
    Easy
    Blooms On: 
    Old Wood
    Bloom Time: 
    Spring
    Hardiness Zones: 
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
    Water Category: 
    Average
    Soil Fertility Requirement: 
    Average Soil
    Uses: 
    Container
    Uses: 
    Cut Flower
    Uses: 
    Landscape
    Uses: 
    Mass Planting
    Uses: 
    Specimen or Focal Point
    Uses Notes: 

    Beautiful in mass plantings or as a specimen.

    Maintenance Notes: 

    The best red color appears on one and two year old stems; older stems will turn corky and brown. If the stem coloring is one your favorite aspects, plan to do some rejuvenation pruning to maintain a colorful display. Every three to five years, cut out one-third of the oldest stems. Early spring is the best time to prune.

    If desired, apply a granular fertilizer formulated for trees and shrubs at pruning time.

    Fun Facts: 

    This beloved European variety is now available in North America!

    Sgt. Pepper Cornus alba 'Verpaalen2' USPP 34,377, Can PBRAF
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