Baton Rouge™ Dogwood

Baton Rouge™ is the trade name for the Cornus alba selection 'Minbat', bred by Pépinières Minier. This deciduous shrub combines green summer leaves, red-purple autumn color, and red winter stems; small pale flowers are followed by white berries. The [breeder's profile](https://www.pepinieres-minier.fr/en/produit/cornus-alba-baton-rouge-r-minbat-cov) describes a bushy plant, while First Editions also records the selection as a sport of 'Elegantissima'. ## Seasonal character The strongest display comes from young stems in winter and foliage color in autumn. Spring clusters of cream-white flowers and later white fruit add a quieter seasonal detail; First Editions notes that the berries attract birds. Use it as a specimen or in a loose hedge or border where the winter branches remain visible. ## Site and use Plant in sun or partial shade. Pépinières Minier reports a 3 m height and spread at ten years, while the First Editions brochure gives 4–5 feet for both dimensions; these published mature-size estimates differ substantially, so allow space for the larger report when siting. The current catalog dimensions are retained pending better matched regional measurements. ## Maintenance After establishment, selectively remove some older branches in winter every few years to encourage younger, brighter stems, following the [breeder's advice](https://www.pepinieres-minier.fr/en/produit/cornus-alba-baton-rouge-r-minbat-cov). Avoid removing all of the shrub's structure in a single season.