Overview & Description

The Kesselring Dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’) is a striking deciduous shrub prized for its dramatic dark purple to almost black bark, providing exceptional winter interest . Its dark green foliage emerges with a subtle purple hue, creating a rich, textured backdrop throughout the growing season. In early summer, clusters of creamy-white flowers appear, followed by white ornamental berries that attract birds. The foliage turns attractive shades of red in autumn, adding to its multi-season appeal.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, multi-stemmed, suckering growth habit. It is a moderate to fast-growing shrub, typically reaching a mature size of about 7 feet in height with a spread of 5-6.5 feet. Its vigorous growth makes it ideal for mass plantings and screens.

Additional Notes

It blooms in early summer. Hardy to Zone 3, it prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to a range of conditions. For best stem colour, prune severely in early spring to encourage fresh, vibrant growth. An outstanding choice for winter interest, mass plantings, hedges, and rain gardens.