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.

Plant Long & Prosper!

Meet Our Staff

Questions? Contact Us!

I have forever wanted this red twig. I bought hydrangea years again from the store death bin. I have babied it. Fertilized it, talked to it, and threatened its life. Finally, after years of nothing but leaves, I dug it up and replaced it with Bush. I can not wait to see it grow and gain it.s color against the snow. It arrived well-packaged and a good size. I can not wait to watch it become a beautiful bush.————————————————-We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG

Absolutely beautiful red twig dogwood! Very healthy plant received quickly in perfect condition. Prices may seem higher than others, but I can assure you they stand behind their plants. I had a different plant arrive in poor condition (due to being held up in shipping, not their fault) and it was replaced as soon as I sent a picture of it. I will now only order from Wilson Bros Gardens. So far I have at least 12 different plants that were beautiful and healthy into Winter, and can’t wait to see them bloom again in the spring. They also respond quickly to any questions you have. The only suggestion I would make is to add whether or not the plant is pet safe in the description.—————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! I will mention the pet safety info to the the owner. I do know some of the plant pages do have that info if it is toxic to pets. Thanks for the great review and the kind words. 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG