Variegated Dogwood

Cornus alba 'Variegata' is an old variegated selection with dark green leaf centers and creamy-white margins. It is deciduous, with a spreading shrub form and foliage that provides a light edge against darker planting. The [University of Illinois woody plant profile](https://woodyplants.nres.uiuc.edu/plant/coralva) confirms the leaf pattern and notes that the cultivar resembles the species in its other characteristics. ## Seasonal character The pale leaf margins are most conspicuous through the growing season and make this selection useful against a dark background or in a mixed shrub border. The International Dendrology Society describes 'Variegata' as an old clone with white-margined leaves, while distinguishing it from other named selections in its [Cornus alba account](https://www.treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/cornus/cornus-alba/). Keep the cultivar identity separate from similarly named variegated dogwoods. ## Site and use Use it as a foliage accent in a shrub border, informal screen, or grouped planting where the variegation can be seen at close range. Its existing catalog size values are retained because the exact cultivar references reviewed here do not establish a contradictory mature-size range. ## Maintenance Remove damaged or crossing stems as needed to preserve an open outline. If stronger colored young stems are desired, dogwoods can be pruned during late winter or early spring; the [RHS guide to colorful-stem pruning](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/shrubs/colourful-stems-large-foliage) describes this practice. Remove suckers when a more contained shape is preferred.