Cornus alba 'Gouchaultii' | 5 Litre Pot | 40cm - 60cm Height

Discover Cornus alba ‘Gouchaultii’, a striking deciduous shrub famed for its vivid red winter stems and beautifully variegated leaves, bringing year-round interest.

Cornus alba ‘Gouchaultii’, also known as Variegated Dogwood, offers exceptional appeal in British gardens throughout the seasons. This resilient shrub provides a spectacular display, particularly during the colder months when its brilliant red stems truly stand out. Furthermore, its attractive foliage adds vibrant texture and colour to borders from spring through to autumn. Gardeners value this plant for its easy-going nature and its ability to thrive in various conditions, making it a superb choice for adding reliable beauty to almost any outdoor space.

• Vibrant red stems create striking winter interest.
• Deciduous leaves boast green centres with creamy-yellow margins.
• Foliage often develops beautiful pink and purplish-red tones in autumn.
• Small, creamy-white flowers appear in late spring to early summer.
• Attractive white berries follow, providing food for garden birds.
• Robust and adaptable, thriving in various garden settings.

Unravelling the Name: Cornus alba ‘Gouchaultii’

The name Cornus derives from the Latin word ‘cornu’, meaning horn, a reference to the wood’s inherent hardness. ‘Alba’ signifies white, describing its delicate flowers or berries. The cultivar name ‘Gouchaultii’ identifies this specific, colourful variety. This particular Cornus alba selection is celebrated for its unique attributes, distinguishing it within the popular Tatarian Dogwood family. Consequently, it has become a firm favourite among gardeners seeking reliable garden performers.

A Tapestry of Seasonal Colour

Cornus alba ‘Gouchaultii’ truly shines throughout the year, consistently offering visual interest. Its deciduous leaves emerge in spring with a vibrant green centre, beautifully outlined by creamy-yellow margins. As the seasons progress, these margins often blush with delicate pink hues, especially in cooler conditions. Come autumn, the foliage transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of purplish-red, providing a spectacular finale.

Following this display, the plant reveals its most famous feature: the brilliant, fiery red stems. These provide an unmissable architectural highlight. They illuminate the winter garden with intense, structural colour, contrasting wonderfully against snow or evergreen backgrounds. This distinctive winter appeal makes Cornus alba ‘Gouchaultii’ an invaluable asset in any garden design.

Flowers and Wildlife Appeal

In late spring to early summer, small clusters of creamy-white flowers appear. While not overtly showy, they offer subtle charm. Furthermore, these modest blooms attract vital pollinators, including busy bees and colourful butterflies, contributing positively to local biodiversity. Following the flowers, clusters of small, white berries develop, often with a hint of blue. Birds, especially thrushes and blackbirds, relish these berries, making this Variegated Dogwood a fantastic addition for wildlife enthusiasts.

Ideal Garden Uses for Cornus alba ‘Gouchaultii’

This versatile shrub fits seamlessly into many garden styles. Plant it to edge borders, providing structure and colour. Alternatively, it works well in mass plantings, creating a dramatic impact, particularly in winter. Its tolerance for moist soil also makes it suitable for stream banks or boggy areas. For the most intense red stem colour, which is its prime feature, gardeners should hard prune Cornus alba ‘Gouchaultii’ in early spring. This simple practice encourages the growth of new, brightly coloured shoots, ensuring a stunning display year after year.