The article is based on the materials of the Polish Nurserymen Association
Cold winter does not have to be the most boring season.It is then that some of the plants reveal their hidden qualities during the growing season.An example of a shrub with attractively colored shoots, especially beautifully presented against the background of a snowy surface, is dogwood in the 'Midwinter Fire' variety.
Cornus sanguinea is a native species that forms shrubs or small trees growing on wet forests and thickets. In 1987, a very valuable 'Midwinter Fire' variety was bred in the Netherlands.This shrub is characterized by a compact habit, it grows up to 2 meters.Young shoots in autumn and winter effectively change their color, initially to yellow-orange, and then bright red.The color of the shoots largely depends on the light conditions.
Shrubs in sunny places have intensely colored shoots, while
in the shade they remain yellow-green or slightly orange. The common dogwood has broad-ovoid, light green leaves that change color in autumn as beautifully as the shoots.Tiny white flowers gathered in umbellate inflorescences at the ends of the shoots appear at the turn of May and June.Spherical, navy blue fruits are about 6 mm in diameter, but are not decorative.
Dogwood in 'Midwinter Fire' variation
Dogwood Swidwa 'Midwinter Fire' is an excellent shrub to be used in wet areas. It shows high tolerance to soils.It grows well both in bright and sunny positions, as well as in the shade of larger trees, but the stems color the most beautifully only in sunny places.Since young shoots obtain the most intense color, it is recommended to cut strongly in spring each year.In the Polish climate, dogwood winters without any reservations and does not require frost protection. Perfect for planting in the city.
Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' looks best in the leafless period, planted singly or in small groups. Red shoots stand out clearly against the background of white snow or green walls of hedges made of coniferous plants.A good place to grow dogwood is in areas near natural water reservoirs.Compositions with other dogwoods, both with ornamental shoots and leaves allow for interesting color effects throughout the year.
