Few plants celebrate the different seasons more than colourful cornus. Called dogwoods, these reliable and hardy shrubs provide a luscious leafy backdrop to summer flowers.
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As a final fanfare, their foliage is a rainbow of colours through autumn. They then flutter away to reveal brilliant wand-like stems.
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During winter the brightly-coloured stems of dogwoods catch sunlight to create dazzling displays.
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Small gardens might only have space for a single plant. Position it where the low piercing winter sunlight will shine through, catching stems in its spotlight.
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Choose carefully and your garden displays will become a celebration of colourful cornus.
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Cornus Varieties
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For summer foliage and winter stems
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Alba varieties ? such as ?Elegantissima?, ?Aurea?, ?Spaethii?, and Siberian dogwood ?Sibirica?
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Sericea varieties ? such as Golden-twig dogwood ?Flaviramea? and dwarf Kelsey?s Gold
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Sanguinea varieties ? such as ?Midwinter Fire? and ?Winter Beauty?
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Small trees with attractive flowers and foliage
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Controversa ?Variegata? (AGM)
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Cornus kousa varieties like ?Miss Satomi? (AGM)
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Cornus ?Venus?
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For winter flowers
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Cornus mas ? dainty yellow flowers in winter, red fruits in late summer
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Houseplant of the month – Rhipsalis
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An unusual houseplant, Rhipsalis is actually a cactus, but without the spikes. Also known as a mistletoe cactus, this houseplant is a fast grower. It hangs down in long messy tendrils or grows upwards in a bushy form and is maintenance-free.
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Rhipsalis copes pretty well with forgetful waterers. It does not give up and is a beauty under ideal conditions.
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Sales and display tips for Rhipsalis Display different varieties of Rhipsalis together. It will emphasise the jungle feeling of this green spectacle.
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The hanging plants will appeal to the imagination more if they are hung off a tree trunk or a sturdy branch. The plant varieties will look nice amongst some decorative wood and attractive stones.
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Select pots with a robust and natural appearance. Ceramic with a bark pattern, wood or a dish with natural shades.
