Cornus, or dogwoods as they are commonly known are grown chiefly for the colour of their stems, especially in winter. Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire' is an especially graceful variety with lovely pinkish red turning orange coloured stems which glint and shine in the winter sun. Dark green oval leaves adorn the plant in spring and summer, turning interesting shades before dropping in Autumn. Off white small flowers in summer make way for colourful berries in winter. This variety can grow as much as 3metres high and 2.5 metres wide, but is slow growing especially until mature. In any event the best winter colour is to be achieved by cutting out a third of the oldest and thickest stems each year. Any reasonable soil will suit and whilst it prefers a well drained soil it will also cope quite well with a slightly boggy situation.