Which dogwood has green branches in the winter?

Cornus (known as “kornoelje” in Dutch) is a genus of plants that includes both evergreen and deciduous shrubs and small trees. Some Cornus species have strikingly colored branches in winter, such as red and white dogwoods. In these deciduous species, the brightly colored branches provide great ornamental value throughout the winter. The color ranges from red (who isn’t familiar with the beautiful Cornus alba?) to orange and orange-yellow. They are, therefore, stunning and eye-catching plants for the winter garden. But did you know that there’s also a dogwood with green branches?

Which Cornus has green branches?

Almost everyone is familiar with Cornus alba, with its bright red winter branches. But a dogwood with bright green branches is just as special! The branches of Cornus ‘Flaviramea’ range in color from yellow-green to bright green and really stand out in the winter garden! Flaviramea is just as easy to grow as alba, and the two combine beautifully: each enhances the color of the other. The Dutch name for this winter dogwood is “Canadian dogwood.”

Cornus sericea or Cornus stolonifera?

Is it sericea or stolonifera? Both names are used; they are synonyms. To avoid confusion, this name is increasingly being omitted, and this green dogwood is therefore simply described as Cornus ‘Flaviramea’.

How do you keep the branches a nice green color?

The same applies to Cornus ‘Flaviramea’: it’s best to prune it back hard in early spring. This is because it is primarily the young wood that is so intensely colored. Unfortunately, this does come at the expense of flowering, but most people don’t choose dogwoods with colored branches for their blooms.

What other colored dogwoods are there?

There are many different cultivars and a few species. If you’re looking for a different color, consider the white dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’) with intense red branches; the black dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’), with black-purple branches; red dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) with soft red branches; Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Beauty’ and Cornus ‘Midwinter Fire,’ both with yellow-orange branches that turn red.

Do you also think the Cornus with green branches is so beautiful?

Ask your gardening question, too!

In our "Garden Questions" section, we answer all your questions about gardens, plants, and gardening.