Tatarian Dogwood

This deciduous shrub's claim to fame occurs in winter when its stems turn blood-red, an effective coloration against snow. Yellowish-white flat-topped flowers bloom for about a week in late spring. Whitish or bloomy berries occur in midsummer but are usually unremarkable.

The shrub grows to 8 to 10 feet tall, spreads almost as wide, suckering freely to form colonies. There's not much lateral branching, so the overall effect is one of long stems for an open, airy look.

Tatarian dogwood prefers moist, well-drained soils but will tolerate others. Give it full sun to part shade. Hardy in USDA Zone 3 to 7, but does the best in 3 to 6.

Selected Cultivars