Neon Burst dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Neon Burst’) is a compact, deciduous shrub prized for its luminous golden-yellow foliage that holds its color well through summer, lightly blushing chartreuse to lime as the season matures. The leaves provide striking contrast against its slender stems, which deepen to vivid coral-red tones in winter once the foliage drops, extending ornamental interest year-round. Small, creamy-white flower clusters appear in late spring, followed by occasional white berries that attract birds, making this cultivar both decorative and wildlife-friendly in mixed borders and foundation plantings.
- Size: Mature height: 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m). Mature spread: 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m). Growth habit: Dense, rounded, multi-stemmed shrub
- Light: Full sun to partial shade (best foliage color in full sun)
- Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to heavier soils
- Water: Moderate; tolerates wet sites once established
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring; remove up to one-third of oldest stems to enhance red winter color
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–7
- Maintenance: Low; benefits from mulching to retain moisture and protect roots