Cornus Baton Rouge 4.5 Litre Pot

Cornus alba ‘Baton Rouge’ – Red-Stemmed Dogwood for Winter Colour

Cornus alba ‘Baton Rouge’ is a striking deciduous shrub grown for its vivid red stems, which bring spectacular colour to the garden throughout winter. In spring, clusters of creamy-white flowers appear, followed by attractive white berries that birds love. Lush green summer foliage turns golden in autumn before falling to reveal the brilliant red stems that make this variety such a standout in colder months. Hardy and low-maintenance, it’s ideal for mixed borders, wildlife gardens, or as a colourful focal point in winter displays.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Clusters of creamy-white flowers emerge among fresh green leaves.

• Summer: Dense foliage provides structure and soft texture.

• Autumn: Leaves turn golden-yellow before falling.

• Winter: Bare stems glow bright red, adding dramatic colour to the garden.

Key Features

• Vibrant red stems – Brilliant colour through winter months.

• Seasonal interest – Attractive flowers, berries, and foliage through the year.

• Hardy and reliable – Tolerates frost, wet ground, and poor soils.

• Wildlife-friendly – Flowers attract pollinators; berries feed birds.

• Low maintenance – Easy to prune and rejuvenate annually.

Perfect For

• Winter borders – Provides strong colour when other plants are dormant.

• Mixed shrub planting – Adds contrast among evergreens and grasses.

• Wildlife gardens – Supports pollinators and birds.

• Lakesides or damp areas – Thrives in moist, well-drained soil.

Growing Tips

• Sun/Position: Prefers full sun for best stem colour; tolerates light shade.

• Soil: Grows in most soils, including clay and damp conditions.

• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK.

• Care: Prune hard in early spring to encourage new, brightly coloured stems. Mulch annually to retain moisture.

Looks Great With

• Other coloured dogwoods – Pair with Cornus ‘Midwinter Fire’ or ‘Sibirica’ for contrast.

• Grasses – Combine with Miscanthus or Carex for texture.

• Winter shrubs – Add alongside Viburnum or Mahonia for interest.

• Evergreens – Photinia, Pittosporum, or Skimmia highlight its stem colour.

Cornus alba ‘Baton Rouge’ is a bold, hardy shrub that brings brilliant red winter colour and multi-season interest to any garden. Reliable, low-maintenance, and wildlife-friendly, it’s a perfect choice for borders, damp areas, or winter displays.