How big does Red-barked dogwood grow?

About 2.5 m × 2.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 2.4–4 m × 1.5–4 m.

What soil does Red-barked dogwood grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Red-barked dogwood hardy?

Hardy down to -40 °C (USDA zone 3, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How far from the house should Red-barked dogwood be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How much water does Red-barked dogwood need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Red-barked dogwood cost?

It sells for roughly €6.50 to €20 in local shops, depending on size.

Red-barked dogwood

Cornus alba

Red-barked dogwood (Cornus alba) is a shrub that reaches 2.5 m × 2.5 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -40 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €6.50.

Illustration of Red-barked dogwood — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A fast, undemanding deciduous shrub grown mainly for its stems, which turn bright red in winter; it bears creamy white flower clusters in late spring, white berries in summer and reddish leaves in autumn. It grows in sun or part shade in almost any soil and copes with damp, occasionally wet ground. The best colour is on young stems, so cut it back hard every few years, and expect it to widen over time through root suckers and arching branches that root where they touch the soil.

Watch out for

In Central Europe hot, dry summers are what troubles it most: leaves scorch in prolonged drought, and a stressed shrub is more prone to leaf spot, twig blight and canker, and scale insects. Water in dry spells and cut diseased stems out at the base. Without regular renewal pruning the stems turn dull brown and the shrub becomes bare-legged and sprawling; sever root suckers with a spade if you do not want it to form a thicket.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2.5 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -40 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	2.5 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	2.4–4 m × 1.5–4 m
Hardiness	down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	yes
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	150 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €6.50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
30+ cm	approx. €6.50
30-50 cm	approx. €7
40+ cm	approx. €7
60-80 cm	approx. €14
80-100 cm	approx. €20
size not stated	approx. €7.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Shrubs for part shade Plants for screening Shrubs for pollinators Plants with autumn colour Shrubs with autumn colour

Compare with similar plants

Red-barked dogwood vs Common dogwood Red-barked dogwood vs Red osier dogwood

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