Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Beauty’, a burst of colour against the bruised maroon-blues of Cotinus coggrygia

Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’ or ‘Winter Beauty’ adds a fabulous shot of colour to a winter garden. Its electrifying coral stems work best when planted en masse. Think carefully about the background: it can look particularly striking against a charcoal grey shed or shocking white snow, but might be lost amongst the muddy mid browns of a burlap fence.

Pruning Cornus is normally undertaken in March when up to a third of the older stems can be removed at the base to encourage new growth of the younger, more colourful canes. ‘Midwinter Fire’ is a slower and more compact version, and only needs to be pruned every two to three years.

Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Beauty’, against a smattering of snow

Images taken from:

1. Thompson and Morgan website where you can buy the plant:

http://www.thompson-morgan.com/flowers/all-other-seeds-and-plants/shrubs-and-roses/cornus-winter-flame/t10053TM

2. Garden of eaden blog:

http://gardenofeaden.blogspot.co.uk/2008/11/plants-for-autumn-colour.html

3. Gardenworldonline:

http://gardenworldonline.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/brightening-your-backyard-with-dogwoods.html