Ivory Halo® Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Bailhalo') is a compact deciduous shrub prized for its striking variegated foliage and brilliant red stems that provide year-round landscape interest. Growing approximately 5-6 feet tall and wide, it develops a dense, rounded habit with green leaves edged in creamy white. The bright foliage provides excellent contrast throughout spring and summer, while the stems become the main attraction after the leaves drop.
In winter, vivid red branches create an outstanding display against snow, evergreens, and dormant landscapes. Small clusters of creamy-white flowers appear in late spring and may be followed by whitish berries that provide additional seasonal interest and wildlife value.
Ivory Halo is an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, mass plantings, rain gardens, moist areas, or as a colorful accent. More compact than many traditional red-twig dogwoods, it provides excellent four-season interest without requiring as much space.
More About Ivory Halo Dogwood
- Low Maintenance
- Moderate to Fast Growing
- Deciduous Shrub
- Variegated Foliage
- Brilliant Red Winter Stems
- Four-Season Interest
- Foundation Planting, Mixed Border, Mass Planting, Rain Garden, Moist Areas, Accent
- Dense, Rounded Habit
- Wet Soil Tolerant
- Provides Food & Cover for Wildlife
Height: 5-6 Feet
Spread: 5-6 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 3-7
Characteristics
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
- Season of Interest: Year Round
- Soil Moisture: Average to Wet, Adaptable
- Attributes: Rounded, Variegated, Multi-Season Interest, Wet Soil Tolerant
- Foliage Color: Green with Creamy-White Margins
- Stem Color: Bright Red in Winter
- Flower Color: Creamy White
- Fruit: Whitish Berries
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun to part shade. Ivory Halo develops its strongest stem color when grown with plenty of sunlight but will tolerate partial shade. It is adaptable to a variety of soils and performs particularly well in moist locations, making it useful for rain gardens and areas that periodically experience wet soil.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, Ivory Halo prefers average to moist soil and tolerates periodically wet conditions. Water during extended periods of hot, dry weather.
Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed. Adding compost or organic matter around the root zone can also help maintain healthy growth.
Pruning:
The brightest red winter stems develop on younger growth. In late winter or early spring, remove some of the oldest stems at ground level to encourage fresh, colorful new growth. Older or overgrown plants can be rejuvenated gradually by removing approximately one-third of the oldest stems each year.
