Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a structural shrub with white blooms from late spring through summer. They have good fall color and their red twigs are showy in winter. They prefer moist soil in sun to part sun where they can grow to be over 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide. They are a good structural plant for slopes and basins of larger plantings. Choices for underplanting include Emory’s Sedge (Carex emoryi) and White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra).
Maintenance
In late winter, trim about a third of the stems to the ground. Remove dark-colored dead and diseased wood first, then old wood to promote newer stems with brighter red color. Maintain height at or below 6 feet.
About
Light Requirements
Sun,
Part Sun Moisture Requirements
Slopes,
Basin Soil Requirements
Acidic,
Clay,
Most Soils Height
Tall,
Very Tall Spacing
4 to 6 feet Category
Structural Attracts
Bees,
Birds,
Butterflies Illinois Native Plant Status
Yes Bloom Time
May,
June Bloom Color
White Seasonality
Fall,
Spring,
Summer,
Winter Sociability
Individuals, Groups up to 5 Other Notable Cultivars & Varieties
Cornus sericea 'Isanti'