Showy all year long, ‘Touch of Elegance’ Red Twig Dogwood, Cornus alba, adds texture and color to the garden. In spring leaves emerge with bright pink highlights along the edges of green and white variegated leaves. As the leaves settle in, the pink goes away, leaving a rounded shrub with green and white leaves. In fall leaves change to bright red before dropping. Come winter, once the leaves are gone, bare red branches brightly stand out in the landscape. Stem also may be cut and used in mixed winter arrangements. Small white flowers bloom in late spring are followed by berries that are loved by birds.

A more compact version than the popular ‘Ivory Halo’ use ‘Touch of Elegance’ as a small hedge, foundation plant, accent in a mixed garden or backdrop. East to grow in sun to part shade.

Plant Red Twig Dogwoods in rich moist soils. Once established they are tolerant of many different soil conditions including dry or some standing water. Best stem color appears on younger stems. Prune out stems that are older than 3 years to maintain best color. Can also be trimmed to the ground in winter or early spring. This will prevent flowering and fruiting, though.