CORNUS sanguinea ‘Compressa’

Description

The Plant

Cornus sanguinea ‘Compressa’ is unlike any other dogwood. In fact, it is a dwarf dogwood with very slow growth. The specimen in our photo is over 25 years old and stands about 2 meters tall.
Its foliage takes on a deep green color, and the leaves are rather stiff, attractively crinkled, and fairly round in shape. In autumn, they turn a rich burgundy red.
During its early years, the plant has an upright graphic structure with distinctly vertical branches. As it ages, its shape becomes more globular while maintaining its vertical branching. All of this makes it a structurally significant plant.
This plant is perfectly suited for bonsai.
In any case, it is a reliable choice for lovers of original forms.

How to plant and care for CORNUS sanguinea ‘Compressa’?

The planting

To fully benefit from this exceptional shrub, follow these guidelines:

1. Choose a location in full sun or partial shade.
2. This dwarf shrub tolerates moist, moderately moist, and even dry soil.
3. The soil can be light, normal, or heavy with a neutral or calcareous pH.
4. For proper preparation of the planting hole, we have designed specific instructions available here.

Caring

This dogwood is exceptionally easy to care for. However, make sure to water it during dry periods in the first two years until the plant is well established. Furthermore, discover here how to water your garden and save water.

Given its small size and very slow growth, it requires no pruning. However, if you wish to prune it, do so in January or December.

History and Origin

The parent species, Cornus sanguinea, is native from Europe to Western Asia. It often grows along rivers, in ravines, and along forest edges.

As for Cornus sanguinea ‘Compressa’, it is a horticultural selection that likely appeared in the 20th century, although the exact date is not clearly documented.