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strawberry dogwood

If you’re searching for a striking deciduous shrub to bring bold colour and texture to your New Zealand garden, the “strawberry dogwood” (Cornus alba 'Sibirica') is a top contender. Sometimes called Siberian Dogwood, this captivating plant is lauded for its vivid red stems, which shine brightest in the winter months when other plants fade into the background. Its seasonal transformations—from lush green foliage in spring and summer to fiery stems in winter—make it a versatile favourite for both home gardeners and landscapers seeking interest 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.

Cornus alba 'Sibirica' new spring foliage with white flowers.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    2.50 m
  • Spread:
    1.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring, Summer
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Hedging, Pool areas
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

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You might be interested in exploring Cornus or Deciduous Shrubs. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like red twig dogwood sibirica, and red twig dogwood bush.

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Why Grow Strawberry Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Sibirica')?

Strawberry dogwood stands out thanks to its bright blood-red stems. In spring, it sprouts fresh green leaves and small clusters of white flowers, followed by attractive white berries. Come autumn, its foliage turns burgundy before dropping to reveal the signature red twigs. This spectacular seasonal display brings both colour and structure to borders, hedges, and winter gardens.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Cornus alba 'Sibirica' thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soil types. While it appreciates moist, well-drained soil, it’s also tolerant of wet conditions—making strawberry dogwood a smart choice for garden areas with heavier soils or occasional flooding. For maximum stem colour, plant in a sunny spot and prune annually in early spring. This keeps the plant’s growth fresh and its colour at its brightest.

Strawberry Dogwood in Garden Design

With its bold red winter stems and lush summer foliage, strawberry dogwood is perfect for mixed borders, wildlife gardens, or as a striking perennial hedge. Pair its vibrant colours with other shrubs like Azalea Abundance (Abundance Azalea), Coleonema aureum (Golden Diosma), or Rhododendron Anah Kruschke to create layers of colour and texture.

For an extended dogwood collection, consider companions like Cornus controversa variegata, known for its architectural branches and striking variegation. Or try Cornus Cherokee Chief and Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' to introduce a spectrum of flower colours and leaf shapes. For contrasting stem colour, plant alongside Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea', which offers golden yellow stems in winter.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Strawberry dogwood is low-maintenance and robust. Prune back older stems in early spring to encourage vigorous new growth—these young shoots show the best stem colour. Regular mulching and deep watering during dry spells will keep your shrub thriving. Its tolerance for wet soils means it’s suitable for rain gardens and can help prevent erosion.

Wildlife and Ecological Benefits

Strawberry dogwood isn’t just beautiful—it’s beneficial for local wildlife. Its flowers attract pollinators, berries feed birds, and dense twigs provide shelter. Adding this shrub to your garden supports New Zealand’s ecological health while enhancing your landscape’s visual appeal.

Explore More Dogwoods and Shrubs

Looking to expand your garden’s palette? Browse other members of the Cornus family, including Cornus 'Cherokee Princess', or try statement shrubs like Rhododendron Kings Cerise and Leptospermum 'Wiri Joan'.

Bring the beauty and utility of strawberry dogwood to your garden and discover the colourful, low-maintenance charm of Cornus alba 'Sibirica'.


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–The Plant Company

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