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Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
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dogwood shrub varieties

Dogwood shrubs are truly stand-out additions to New Zealand gardens, offering all-season interest, vibrant colour, and easy care. If you're searching for the best dogwood shrub varieties for your landscape, you're in luck. These versatile deciduous shrubs are valued for their brilliant stems, lush foliage, spring blooms, and wildlife appeal. Whether you're creating a mixed border, seeking a striking hedge, or looking to brighten up your winter garden, dogwoods bring dependable beauty and structure year-round.

Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Cornus alba 'Sibirica', commonly known as Siberian Dogwood, is a striking deciduous shrub ideal for New Zealand gardens. It is prized for its vivid red winter stems that provide dramatic colour when leaves fall, and its fresh green foliage that turns shades of orange and red in autumn.

Buy Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

From $24.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.50 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Pool areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea', commonly known as the Yellow Stem Dogwood, is a shrub that features bright yellow stems which become more pronounced in winter. The leaves emerge dark green in spring, and remain this colour until developing red tones in autumn and falling.

Buy Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

From $279.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 2.50 m

Spread: 2.50 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Why Grow Dogwood Shrubs in New Zealand?

Dogwood shrub varieties thrive across much of New Zealand, providing fantastic garden performance in a wide range of soils and conditions. They are particularly famous for their colourful winter stems, which can add a strong burst of crimson, gold, or coral even when other plants are dormant. Many dogwood shrubs are also tolerant of wet ground, making them an excellent choice for tricky spaces or rain gardens.

Popular Dogwood Shrub Varieties

With so many dogwood shrub varieties to choose from, you can easily find one that matches your garden's style and conditions. Below are some top picks to consider:

Cornus florida 'Spring Song'

This outstanding variety brings delicate spring blossoms and reliable garden performance. Cornus florida 'Spring Song' features showy, creamy-pink flower bracts in early spring, followed by attractive green foliage and autumn colour. Ideal as a specimen shrub or small tree, it's a favourite for adding year-round beauty.

Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

For brilliant winter colour, Cornus alba 'Sibirica' stands out among dogwood shrub varieties. Its vivid red stems bring cheer to the winter landscape, while lush green leaves turn purple-red in autumn. This variety is perfect for borders or as part of a windbreak and tolerates a range of soil types, even damp spots.

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Golden stems set Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' apart from other dogwood shrub varieties. It brings fantastic structure and colour, especially during the colder months. Like other shrubby dogwoods, it responds well to hard pruning, which keeps new growth brilliantly coloured.

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

If you're seeking both flowers and structural charm, Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' is a stunning option. It delights with masses of creamy-white star-shaped flowers in early summer, followed by strawberry-like fruit and pleasing autumn foliage. This elegant choice can grow as a large shrub or small tree.

Companion Shrubs for Dogwoods

For added fragrance and seasonal interest, consider pairing dogwood shrub varieties with Philadelphus Snowdrift (Philadelphus). This mock orange provides fragrant white flowers that bloom in early summer, perfectly complementing the colourful stems and foliage of dogwood shrubs.

Find the Perfect Dogwood Shrub Variety

Whether you want bold winter stems, decorative spring blooms, or reliable structure, dogwood shrub varieties make a versatile and rewarding choice for New Zealand gardens. Browse our full range of dogwoods and companion shrubs to discover new favourites and add year-round interest to your outdoor spaces.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

dogwood shrub varieties

Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

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Why Grow Dogwood Shrubs in New Zealand?