Cornus alba – ‘Siberian Pearls’

Dogwood (Red Willow) – Cornus alba ‘Siberian Pearls’ Variety Description**

Cornus alba ‘Siberian Pearls’ belongs to the Cornaceae family and is particularly popular in gardens and landscape design projects. This versatile shrub is favored by gardeners for its remarkable ornamental value, flexible usability, and ease of care. Below is a detailed description of the ‘Siberian Pearls’ variety, including its characteristics, requirements, and applications.

### Appearance
The ‘Siberian Pearls’ typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters but can be easily pruned, allowing it to be shaped and molded. The main features of the plant include its dense, bushy foliage, which is rich green, and its oval-shaped leaves, measuring about 5 to 10 cm in length. The special appeal of ‘Siberian Pearls’ comes from its white flowers, which appear in spring, particularly between April and May. The flowers are small and cream-colored, and after flowering, small red berries develop, which, if conditions are favorable, ripen in the fall, adding to the plant's ornamental value.

### Site and Soil Requirements
The white dogwood thrives in sunny and partially shaded locations, but it shows the best flowering performance in sunny environments. Cornus alba ‘Siberian Pearls’ adapts well to various soil types, including humus-rich, moist soils. The soil pH can vary widely, but neutral to slightly acidic soils are best for its development. It is essential that the soil has good drainage, as waterlogged conditions can damage the roots.

### Care
The ‘Siberian Pearls’ variety requires relatively low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for novice gardeners. The plant requires regular watering, especially during dry months, but established specimens can tolerate dryness well. Spring pruning is recommended to encourage denser growth and maintain the plant's shape. Additionally, removing withered flowers after blooming helps keep the plant looking aesthetically pleasing.

### Resistance
Cornus alba ‘Siberian Pearls’ is well resistant to the most common pests and diseases. However, it is important to watch for aphids and other insects, as good growing conditions and proper care can significantly reduce the risk of diseases. This plant is frost-resistant, so it does not require special protection in winter.

### Use Cases
The ‘Siberian Pearls’ is versatile in landscaping. It is ideal for creating hedges, decorating fences, or providing privacy screens. With its colorful and attractive blooms, it is a popular choice for flower beds and mixed plantings where it can be combined with other species. The berries are also appealing to birds, adding an additional ecological value to the plant.

These characteristics make the white dogwood ‘Siberian Pearls’ a valuable addition to your gardens and landscapes.