Ivory Halo Red Twig Dogwood

The best shrubs bring beauty to more than one season of the year – and they are easy to care for too. The Ivory Halo Dogwood certainly satisfies those needs, and it is compact enough to be used alone in smaller gardens, or mass-planted in larger ones. Cold-hardy and thriving in almost every garden, this plant features colorful foliage all spring and summer, followed by striking red twigs in winter. 

The Ivory Halo Dogwood is a deciduous shrub that grows 5 to 6 feet tall and wide, making an excellent medium-sized plant for a larger garden, or a background plant in a smaller garden. It has a twiggy structure, with multiple branches coming from ground level. In spring and summer the foliage is delightful, with each light-green leaf having a broad, irregular margin of white, creating a plant that brightens up all parts of your garden. It looks terrific standing out against a hedge or other plain green plants. Plant it singly or in groups among evergreens around your home, or in shrub beds. Create an informal edging along a path or driveway with a row, spacing the plants 4 feet apart. Use it in large planter boxes to brighten paved courtyards in urban areas. No matter how you use it, this plant is sure to please. For a striking winter effect, mix this shrub with the Yellow Twig Dogwood, (Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’), whose bright yellow winter twigs look great mixed with the red twigs of the Ivory Halo Dogwood.

Growing Ivory Halo Red Twig Dogwood Shrubs

In fall the leaves turn yellow before dropping to the ground, revealing rich deep-red twigs, which hold their color all winter long, making a bright display, especially against the snow. Combined with the bright leaves, this shrub gives you beauty and color all year round, making it ideal for easy-care interest in every garden. It is a great improvement over the older variegated dogwood (‘Elegantissima’), because it has a much denser growth structure; the leaves are closer together on the stems, making a bushier plant; and the winter twigs are brighter and richer in color. The Ivory Halo Dogwood should not be confused with the taller, tree-like flowering dogwoods. It has small flowers in clusters, in spring and early summer, on older branches. These are attractive, 2.5 inches across, but not showy, and the main interest is in the brilliant and colorful foliage.

Planting and Initial Care

Plant the Ivory Halo Dogwood in full sun or partial shade. Unlike many other variegated plants, the leaf patterning does not fade in shadier spots. It thrives in almost any soil, from ordinary garden soil to damper soils, and it even grows well in areas that are sometimes flooded. That makes it a great choice along a stream, around a lake, or in any low-lying area. Avoid hot, dry, sandy soils, where growth will be reduced. This shrub is extremely hardy, thriving even in zone 3, but reliable and easy to grow all the way into zone 7. It has few pests or diseases of concern, and it is among the easiest of garden shrubs to grow. Since the brightest twig color is on new growth, some spring pruning is beneficial to maximize that winter glamor. Either remove a few older branches each spring, close to the ground, or cut the whole plant right back to the ground every 3rd year in colder areas, and every 2nd year in milder zones.

Appearance

The Ivory Halo Dogwood is a form of the Siberian dogwood, Cornus alba. This plant grows all through Siberia, northern China and Korea, usually in damper areas and the edges of forests. The wild plant grows to around 10 feet tall, with plain green leaves, blue-white berries and reddish-brown winter twigs. It is closely related to the red-twig dogwood, Cornus sericea, a very similar-looking American native shrub which is more inclined to spread underground that its Asian cousin. The Siberian dogwood is therefore a better choice for smaller spaces. 

History and Origins of the Ivory Halo Red Twig Dogwood Shrubs

A variety called ‘Elegantissima’ (or ‘Argenteomarginata’) appeared in Europe some time before 1900, and it has been a favorite in gardens for well over 100 years. In 1983, at the Bailey Nurseries in St. Paul, Minnesota, Rodney Bailey spotted an unusual plant growing in a field of plants of the ‘Elegantissima’ variety. It was more compact, with the leaves closer together, and the twig color was a much stronger red. He realized that this plant was perfect for smaller settings, where the taller ‘Elegantissima’, which can reach 10 feet in height, would be too tall. The exact origin of this plant is not known. The nursery patented it in 1994 under the name ‘Bailhalo’. That patent has now expired. It is registered under the name Ivory Halo, and it is a significant improvement on the older variety. Our plants are grown from stem pieces taken from the correct variety, and we always recommend growing the best – which this certainly is. Our stock is limited, so order now for lots of year-round color and very little work.

What are the best companion plants for the Ivory Halo Dogwood?

The Ivory Halo Dogwood’s variegated foliage and red winter twigs make it a standout in any garden. It pairs well with plants that offer contrasting colors and textures. For instance, evergreen shrubs can provide a dark green backdrop that makes the Ivory Halo Dogwood’s foliage and red twigs pop. In winter, consider pairing it with Yellow Twig Dogwood, whose bright yellow twigs create a striking contrast with the Ivory Halo Dogwood’s red ones. Perennials that bloom in the dogwood’s preferred seasons (spring and summer) can also be good companions. For example, hostas and ferns can complement the dogwood’s foliage with their own lush, leafy growth.

How can I use the Ivory Halo Dogwood in a landscape design?

The Ivory Halo Dogwood is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in landscape design. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller gardens, but it can also be mass-planted in larger ones. You can use it as a single plant in a smaller garden, or in groups in the middle of beds in larger ones. It can also serve as an exciting edging plant along a path or driveway. Its tolerance of wet soil makes it a perfect choice along a stream or around a lake. In winter, its deep red twigs stand out against the snow, adding a whole extra season of interest to your garden.

What care does the Ivory Halo Dogwood require to maintain its vibrant color?

The Ivory Halo Dogwood is an easy-care shrub that requires minimal maintenance to keep its vibrant color. It is generally free of pests or diseases, so you don’t need to worry about applying pesticides or other treatments. To maintain its compact shape and promote new growth, remove some of the oldest branches completely each spring, before the new leaves appear. Alternatively, you can cut the whole plant to the ground every second or third year. This will encourage the growth of new branches, which will have the brightest red color in winter.

What are the benefits of planting the Ivory Halo Dogwood in my garden?

Planting the Ivory Halo Dogwood in your garden offers several benefits. Firstly, its variegated foliage and red winter twigs add year-round interest and color to your garden. Secondly, it is a compact plant that fits well in smaller spaces, but can also be used effectively in larger gardens. Thirdly, it grows well in damp locations, making it a great choice for areas near water bodies or in low-lying areas of your garden. Finally, it is hardy and can thrive even in colder regions, making it a reliable choice for gardens in a wide range of climates.

What kind of wildlife does the Ivory Halo Dogwood attract?

The Ivory Halo Dogwood’s small, clustered flowers can attract a variety of wildlife to your garden. In particular, bees and other pollinators may be drawn to the flowers in spring and early summer. Birds may also be attracted to the plant, particularly in winter when the bright red twigs can provide a source of shelter and the fallen berries can serve as a food source. However, it’s worth noting that the plant’s wildlife appeal can vary depending on your location and the specific wildlife species present in your area.

Can the Ivory Halo Dogwood be grown in a pot?

Yes, the Ivory Halo Dogwood can be grown in a pot. Its compact size makes it suitable for container gardening. Choose a large pot with good drainage to accommodate the plant’s root system and fill it with a high-quality potting mix. Place the pot in a location that gets full sun or partial shade. Remember to water the plant regularly, as potted plants can dry out faster than those planted in the ground. Also, be aware that potted Ivory Halo Dogwoods may need extra protection in winter, as their roots can be more vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

How fast does the Ivory Halo Dogwood grow?

The Ivory Halo Dogwood has a moderate growth rate. While the exact rate can vary depending on the growing conditions, established plants that are pruned hard (cut back to the ground) will usually grow to about 3 feet tall in a single season. This makes the Ivory Halo Dogwood a good choice if you’re looking to add height and structure to your garden in a relatively short period of time.

What is the history of the Ivory Halo Dogwood?

The Ivory Halo Dogwood is a variety of the Siberian dogwood, which grows naturally in Siberia, northern China, and Korea. The specific variety known as ‘Ivory Halo’ was discovered by Rodney Bailey at the Bailey Nurseries in St. Paul, Minnesota. He noticed that this plant was more compact and had brighter red winter twigs than the older variegated dogwoods. The nursery patented the plant in 1994 under the name ‘Bailhalo’. Today, the Ivory Halo Dogwood is appreciated by gardeners for its compact size, vibrant foliage, and striking winter twigs.

What is the difference between the Ivory Halo Dogwood and the older variegated dogwoods?

The Ivory Halo Dogwood is considered a significant improvement over the older variegated dogwoods. The main differences lie in its size, growth habit, and winter twig color. The Ivory Halo Dogwood is more compact, growing no more than 6 feet tall and wide, making it a better fit for smaller gardens. It also has denser growth, with the leaves closer together on the stems, creating a bushier plant. Perhaps the most striking difference is the color of the winter twigs. The Ivory Halo Dogwood has deep red twigs that stand out against the snow, adding a whole extra season of interest to the plant.

Does the Ivory Halo Dogwood produce berries?

Yes, the Ivory Halo Dogwood does produce berries. However, they are not its main feature. The wild form of the Siberian dogwood, to which the Ivory Halo Dogwood belongs, produces blue-white berries. However, in the case of the Ivory Halo Dogwood, the berries are not as prominent or as showy as its variegated foliage and red winter twigs. The berries do, however, provide an additional source of food for birds and other wildlife during the fall and winter months.