Common Dogwood Shrub (Cornus Sanguinea)

Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a hardy, deciduous native shrub prized for its vivid red stems, striking through the winter months. Creamy white flowers cluster in early summer, followed by small black berries in autumn that feed birds, though they are not edible for humans. This adaptable red dogwood shrub tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay and sandy ground, and grows in full sun to partial shade, reaching 1.5 to 3 metres. Popular for hedging and woodland gardens, Common Dogwood also supports pollinators and shelters wildlife.

Its intense red stems stand out beautifully against evergreen planting, especially in winter, making Common Dogwood one of the most striking native shrubs for year round garden interest.

Tolerant of wet soils and well suited to erosion control, Common Dogwood is a versatile choice among UK shrubs for borders, hedging and challenging planting sites.