Origin
Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin is native to parts of Siberia, Northeast China, and Korea.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Baileyi red-twig dogwood or Bailey dogwood. It may also go by the names Siberian dogwood or red-branched dogwood.
Uses
The Baileyi red-twig dogwood is primarily used for ornamental purposes in landscaping, due to its vibrant red stems that contrast with the green foliage. The plant can also be used in erosion control, native plant restoration, and as a natural screen or hedge. In traditional Chinese medicine, the bark of the plant is used to treat fever and inflammation.
General Appearance
The Baileyi red-twig dogwood is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to be 6 to 10 feet tall and 8 to 12 feet wide. It has a rounded shape and many branches, which create a dense canopy. The leaves are simple, opposite, and measure 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. They are dark green in summer and turn a reddish-purple color in the fall. The plant blooms in May or early June with small, white flowers that are arranged in flat-topped clusters. The most striking feature of the Baileyi red-twig dogwood is its bright red stems, which are most vibrant in the winter. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Light Requirements
The Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates, but it will have better foliage coloring if it receives full sun. Providing it with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is recommended.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can tolerate temperatures as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also heat tolerant, and it can withstand high temperatures, though it may require more water during hot and dry periods. The plant cannot handle prolonged periods of drought or waterlogging.
Soil Requirements
Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin plant prefers moist, well-draining, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures such as clay, sand, and loam. However, the soil must be rich in organic matter. Also, it requires a constant moisture supply, but it cannot tolerate excessive wetness for an extended period. To keep the soil moist, apply the mulch around the plant's base.
Cultivation methods for Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin
Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin, commonly known as Bailey's Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Cornaceae family. It can grow up to 6-8 feet in height with a spread of 8-10 feet. Bailey's Dogwood is found in rocky slopes, stream banks, and forest margins. It prefers moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin is tolerant of salt spray and can be used for erosion control.
To cultivate this beautiful shrub start by selecting a suitable location. It grows best in soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil must be well-drained, as standing water will cause the roots to rot. If planting in an area prone to dryness, incorporate a layer of mulch, to retain moisture. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the container. Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots before planting. Water the planting hole so that the soil is evenly moist but not wet, and tamp down the soil to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting and make sure to keep the soil moist until the roots establish.
Watering needs of Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin
Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin requires regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply at least once a week, but keep in mind that sandy soils will require more frequent watering. Once the plant establishes, it will tolerate some dryness but will perform best when the soil is kept consistently moist throughout the growing season. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other problems.
Fertilization of Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin
Feed the plant once a year in spring, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions, being careful not to overfeed, as excessive fertilization can cause rapid growth that weakens the plant and increases pest problems. Mulch around the base of the plant with compost or well-rotted manure to supply nutrients and help retain moisture.
Pruning Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin blooms on new wood, so pruning is important to keep the plant attractive and vigorous. Cut back one-third of the oldest stems to the ground, which will stimulate new growth and maintain the plant's shape. Remove any damaged or diseased branches as well as any that cross or rub against each other. Use clean, sharp tools when pruning, making smooth cuts to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation methods for Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin
Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin, commonly known as Bailey's red-osier dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant due to its vibrant red winter stem coloration.
There are several ways to propagate Cornus alba L. var. baileyi, including:
1. Softwood cuttings
Softwood cuttings are taken from the current season's growth in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be approximately 4-6 inches in length and should include 2-3 leaf nodes. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then insert into a container filled with a well-draining rooting medium. Keep the container in a warm, humid environment until roots develop and the cutting can be transplanted.
2. Hardwood cuttings
Hardwood cuttings are taken from mature wood in late autumn or early winter when the plant is dormant. Cuttings should be approximately 8-10 inches in length and should include several nodes. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then insert into a container filled with well-draining rooting medium. Keep the container in a cool, humid environment until roots develop and the cutting can be transplanted.
3. Division
Cornus alba L. var. baileyi can be propagated through division in the spring or fall. Dig up the plant and separate the root ball into several sections, making sure each section has enough roots and stems to survive. Replant each section in a well-draining soil mixture.
4. Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from the plant in the fall and sown immediately or stored over the winter and sown in the spring. Stratification may be required to break seed dormancy. Sow the seeds in a container filled with a well-draining soil mixture and keep in a cool, humid location until germination. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle.
Propagation of Cornus alba L. var. baileyi is relatively straightforward and can be accomplished using several methods.
Disease and Pest Management for Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin
Cornus alba L. var. baileyi (Coult. & Evans) Boivin, commonly known as the Bailey's Dogwood, is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub native to Asia. It is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow, but like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pest attacks.
Common Diseases
Cornus alba L. var. baileyi is susceptible to some fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. The disease can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. Leaf spot is another fungal disease that causes circular, reddish-brown spots on the leaves. Canker is a fungal disease that causes sunken, discolored patches on the bark of the plant, which can eventually lead to the death of the plant.
Pest Management
Cornus alba L. var. baileyi is also susceptible to some pests such as aphids, scale insects, and borers. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause curled, distorted leaves and stunted growth. Scale insects are small, waxy insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant, causing yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. Borers are insects that bore into the stems or trunks of the plant, causing stunted growth, wilting, and can eventually kill the plant.
Disease Management
To manage fungal diseases, remove and destroy all infected plant parts as soon as possible. This will help prevent the disease from spreading to other parts of the plant. Ensure that the plant is well-ventilated and receives adequate sunlight to prevent the growth and spread of fungal spores. Apply fungicides as directed to prevent and control fungal diseases.
Pest Management
To manage pests, inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation and treat promptly. Insecticidal soaps and oils are effective in controlling aphids and scale insects. For borers, prune and destroy the infested plant parts, and apply insecticides that are labeled for borers. Ensure that the plant is healthy and well-watered to prevent pest infestations.
By practicing good plant hygiene and taking preventive measures, you can help keep your Cornus alba L. var. baileyi healthy and free from pests and diseases.
