The Variegated Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Elegantissima')is a fast-growing, 5–9 ft deciduous shrub, prized for year-round interest featuring gray-green leaves with white margins, white spring flowers, and striking, fiery red winter branches. Ideal for hedging or wet areas, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, grows quickly, and is hardy to -50°F. 
Key Characteristics & Growth Conditions
Size: Typically grows 6–9 feet tall and wide, with an upright, spreading habit.
Growth Rate: Fast-growing, making it excellent for, screens, or rapid filling of landscape, often forming thickets.
Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade; best stem and leaf color are achieved in full sun.
Soil/Water: Very adaptable, but prefers moist to wet soil and thrives near water, acting as a great erosion control shrub.
Hardiness: Extremely cold hardy, generally suited for zones 2–8.
Maintenance: Low-maintenance, though it benefits from hard pruning (rejuvenation) in late winter to encourage the brightest red bark on new, young stems. 
Seasonal Features
Spring/Summer: Produces creamy-white variegated leaves and small, white flowers, which are followed by white or blue-tinged berries.
Fall/Winter: Foliage turns yellow before dropping to reveal bright, blood-red twigs, creating a strong, vivid contrast in the winter landscape.