Variegated Dogwood vs Illini Hardy Blackberry - TreeTime.ca

Variegated Dogwood vs Illini Hardy Blackberry

Cornus alba argenteo-marginata

Rubus fruticosus Illini Hardy

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Variegated Dogwood
Illini Hardy Blackberry

Variegated Dogwood is a small shrub that is often used in the first row of a shelterbelt, as a hedge, or for soil stabilization projects. It has the same distinctive red bark, white flowers, and berries as Red Osier Dogwood.

The key difference between the two is the leaves. Where Red Osier's leaves are green throughout, Variegated Dogwood has a white outline around each leaf, giving this shrub a distinctive look.

The Illini Hardy Blackberry was developed in Illinois for northern growers, and produces a large, juicy blackberry with medium-sweet flavor. The berries are ready for harvest in midsummer, and go great in preserves.

The Illini Hardy Blackberry, or the Illinois Blackberry, are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Variegated Dogwood Quick Facts

Illini Hardy Blackberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Height: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: variegated white edges
Berries: black
Flavor: medium
Harvest: July
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: tatarian dogwood
Other Names: illinois blackberry