Cornus a. Sgt. Pepper™ #3

Stately color in two extremes. The first is a refreshing bright green and cream, with hints of pale pink on the margins. The second is in fall when the whole plant erupts into a fabulous burgundy and hot pink duo. Even the stems are burgundy! If you’ve ever seen a tri-color beech, Sgt. Pepper™ dogwood is a lot like that, but in a much easier to use form. With its large size, it makes a great anchor for the garden. You can position it at the back of the garden to work as a foundation plant, breaking up the straight lines of a building with its rounded form. It would also make an incredible hedge or specimen plant. Plant in full to mostly sun. Grows 6' tall and 8' wide. Hardy to Zone 3.

The best red color appears on one and two year old stems; older stems will turn corky and brown. If the stem coloring is one your favorite aspects, plan to do some rejuvenation pruning to maintain a colorful display. Every three to five years, cut out one-third of the oldest stems. Early spring is the best time to prune.

If desired, apply an organic fertilizer at pruning time.