Cornus is a remarkably diverse genus, including trees (known as dogwoods) grown for their showy white flowers (actually bracts), shrubs that flower before their leaves appear, other shrubs grown for the colour of their stems in winter, and ground-covering herbaceous perennials. Many have red fruit, which can also be showy. The ones with coloured stems should be pruned close to the ground in late winter.

Cornus sanguinea 'Compressa' is a rare dwarf form, with an upright habit. Its dark green leaves turn reddish purple in the autumn. When they fall, they reveal their stems which turn to dark purple in winter. Quite striking and good for a smaller garden.