Dogwood Ivory Halo
Variegated Red Twig Dogwood,Dogwood Ivory Halo (Cornus alba ‘Bailhalo’) is a native ornamental shrub that brings four-season interest to the landscape. Its vibrant green leaves, edged with creamy white, create a striking effect that brightens borders, foundation plantings, and mixed shrub beds throughout spring and summer. As the growing season progresses, the foliage matures with subtle tones of pink and red in the fall before dropping to reveal bold, bright red stems that provide dramatic winter color against snow, evergreens, and other dormant plantings. Small clusters of white flowers bloom in late spring, adding subtle texture and beauty to the garden.
Compact and well-structured, Ivory Halo forms a dense, rounded shrub that is both versatile and manageable in smaller spaces, making it ideal for mass plantings, hedges, or as a specimen accent. Its multi-season appeal allows it to be admired year-round: spring and summer for its variegated foliage, fall for leaf color, and winter for its brilliant red stems. The shrub’s elegant shape and low-maintenance nature make it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking both ornamental beauty and functionality in a landscape shrub.
Highly adaptable, Ivory Halo thrives in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and moist soils. It tolerates both wet conditions and cold winter temperatures. This native shrub pairs beautifully with evergreens, ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, and perennials, creating layered interest and contrast throughout the year. Whether planted in borders, foundation beds, or rain gardens, Ivory Halo provides reliable structure, color, and wildlife benefits. It is wonderful for supporting birds and pollinators while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your garden.
Care Instructions:
Planting: Choose a location with fertile, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and moist conditions.
Sunlight: Grows best in full sun to partial shade; full sun enhances red stem color.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells.
Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove older stems and promote new growth for the brightest red color.
Winter Care: No special care needed; the red twigs provide beautiful winter interest.
Companion Plants: Pairs beautifully with evergreens, ornamental grasses, and hydrangeas that contrast with its variegated foliage and red stems.
