Cornus Alba ‘Kesselringii’

Small, creamy-white flowers in May and June and dark green leaves, which turn reddish-purple in autumn and fall to reveal dark-maroon stems. The dramatic, dark stems of this dogwood are an excellent focal point in the winter garden. Tolerating a range of conditions including partial shade, it contrasts well with yellow-olive or red-stemmed varieties of dogwood.

Garden care: In March cut the stems back hard to within 5-7cm (2-3in) from the ground and apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted garden compost or horse manure around the base of the plant.