Red Osier Red Dogwood

Cornus sericea

Other Common Names: Red Brush, Red Willow, Redstem Dogwood, Redtwig Dogwood, Red-rood, Creek Dogwood, Western Dogwood

Plant Details

USDA Cold Hardiness Zones: 3a-8a(8b?) Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Shrub

Height at Maturity: 6-10′

Width at Maturity: 6-10′

Spacing: 6-7′ for solid hedge; 14′ for space between plants

Growth Habit / Form: Broad, Upright

Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast

Flower Color: White

Flower Size: Small in flat-top clusters

Flowering Period: Late Spring – Early Summer

Flower Type: Single

Fragrant Flowers: Yes

Foliage Color: Medium to Dark Green turning to Red, Orange and Purple in Fall

Fragrant Foliage: No

Berries: Yes, pearl like white berries

Sun Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade; appreciates some shade during the afternoon in hot and humid climates

Water Needs: Average

Soil Type: Clay (Amended), Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well-Drained, Wet

Soil pH: 5.0 – 7.0 (Acidic to Neutral), prefers acid soil

Maintenance / Care: Low, if left to grow naturally

Attracts: Butterflies, Birds, Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Insect, Wet Soil

Description

A must have landscape plant where in snows, the Red Osier Dogwood is a native shrub treasured for its upright bright red twigs that will set a snow-white landscape on fire. But the fine attributes don’t stop there. In late spring to early summer, abundant flat-topped clusters of white flowers stand out beautifully against the deep green foliage. Following the flowers are clusters of white, pearl-like berries the birds will thank you for. Fall brings interesting shades of orange and red leaves that eventually turn to purple before dropping to expose the colorful stems. A four-season beauty that deserves a spot in every landscape where it will grow (USDA Zones 4-8a).

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 6 to 10 feet tall and equally as wide, the Red Osier Dogwood is ideal for use as a specimen or in groupings or hedges in sunny to partially shaded landscape and woodland borders. because it tolerates a consistently moist soil it is perfect for those areas where the soil just doesn’t want to dry out, A fine addition to native gardens, white or red theme gardens, bird and wildlife gardens and cottage gardens.

Suggested Spacing: 6 to 7 feet apart for hedge; 14 feet or more apart for space between plants

Growing Preferences

The Red Osier Dogwood is very easy to grow in most any moist but well-drained to boggy soil of average fertility and full sun to part shade. Appreciates some shade or filtered sunduring the afternoon in hot and humid climates. Very low maintenance when left alone and we’ve seen no serious insect or disease problems.

Although pruning is not necessary, many folks choose to remove about 25 percent of the oldest stems in late winter or early spring of each year to encourage growth of new stems which will display the brightest red color. Alternatively, every 2 to 3 years all stems can be cut back to 8 inches above the ground for total renewal.

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I purchased two of these red twig dogwood and am so happy with them. Wilson Bros sends plants that are very well packaged and healthy. These two dogwoods are flourishing in their new home and I look forward to seeing their beautiful color against the snow this coming winter. Another 5 star experience with this great company!!!——————————————-Wow!! We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Ordered two. Both arrived promptly, and in good shape. Well-packaged. The plants are doing well so far — I look forward to seeing them this coming winter..—————————————————–We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG