Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’

**Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ Variety Description**

Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ belongs to the Cornaceae family and is a particularly popular variety among ornamental plants. This shrub attracts the attention of gardeners and landscape architects due to its aesthetic appearance, versatility, and ease of care. Below is a detailed description of the ‘Kesselringii’ variety, including its characteristics, requirements, and uses.

### Appearance
The ‘Kesselringii’ is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters. The plant is characterized by its dense, branching growth, which gives it a compact form. The oval leaves are deep green and glossy, while the young shoots exhibit a striking red color, enhancing the decorative effect of the plant throughout the changing seasons. In the summer months, small white flowers appear in clusters, exuding a pleasant fragrance that attracts pollinators. Following flowering, small red berries develop, which are appealing to birds and enhance the ecological significance of the plant.

### Site and Soil Requirements
The ‘Kesselringii’ variety thrives in sunny and partially shaded locations, but it exhibits the best flowering performance in full sun. It is adaptable and grows well in various soil types, including sandy, clay, and loamy soils. The plant prefers acidic to neutral pH levels, and well-drained, nutrient-rich soils enhance its growth and flowering.

### Care
Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ is a low-maintenance plant, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. It requires regular watering, especially during the growing season; however, established plants can tolerate drier periods well. Spring pruning is recommended to help maintain the shape of the plant and encourage the growth of young shoots. It's also advisable to remove wilted flowers to keep the plant looking aesthetically pleasing.

### Resistance
The ‘Kesselringii’ variety is well resistant to the most common pests and diseases. However, attention should be paid to aphids and fungal infections that may affect the health of the plant. Proper growing conditions and care can help mitigate the risk of diseases. This plant is frost-resistant and does not require special protection during the winter.

### Use Cases
The ‘Kesselringii’ variety is versatile in landscape design. It is an excellent choice for creating hedges, as its dense foliage provides protection and screens unwanted views. Additionally, it is perfect for flower beds, mixed plantings, or as a border in rock gardens. The berries are attractive to birds, making the plant valuable from an ecological perspective.

### Summary
Cornus alba ‘Kesselringii’ is an attractive and versatile ornamental plant that enriches gardens with its beautiful foliage and flowers. Its low maintenance requirements and robustness make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.