Each spring I find myself amazed and surprised by the newest growth and rebirth that happens on the exact same deciduous plants I was sure had been dead long since winter began. Pass a redtwig dogwood (Cornus sericea) in January, and also any lingering uncertainty that these crops are not still consciously living is instantly drop.
Cold hardy and water tolerant, redtwig dogwood is an especially elegant garden addition throughout the year. Its crazy growth habit, delicate blooms and vibrant winter colour contribute to it being the absolutely untamed, yet sophisticated, design plant.
Tom Debley
Botanical name: Cornus sericea (syn. Cornus stolonifera)
Common names:Redtwig dogwood, red osier dogwood, American dogwood, red willow, redstem dogwood, redosier dogwood, creek dogwood
USDA zones: 2-7
Water requirement:Moderate
Sun requirement: Full sun to color
Mature size: 7-9′ tall, spreads to 12′ wide
Tolerances: Deer, soil — such as moist soil and clay soil
Safety advantages: Fruit attracts birds and wildlife; flowers attract butterflies
Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds
Distinguishing attributes. Redtwig dogwood is a shrub for many seasons. Having a compact multi-stemmed arrangement for a foundation, ovate green leaves cover its sleek green stalks in spring. Leaves are linked with creamy white floral clusters in summer, followed by creamy white or blue berries.
Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds
Transitioning from summer to autumn, stems and foliage turn a brilliant red, persisting into the onset of fall.
U. of Maryland Arboretum & Botanical Garden
It is in winter is when redtwig dogwood is extremely noticeable, and it’s for this seasonal transformation that redtwig dogwood is named. The stems of the tree turned into a fiery shade of red before losing its leaves for the season. In Alaska and Newfoundland its winter colour is especially vibrant — starkly contrasted from a blanket of white snow.
The ‘Baileyi’ cultivar, shown here, is similar in colour but lacks the spreading look of the straight species.
m.kotiuk
The best way to use it. Consider adding a rain garden to your landscape to curb stormwater runoff. Found naturally in damp areas, redtwig dogwood is inherently suited wet conditions.
In a time of year that many crops are on hiatus, redtwig dogwood is in the peak of its visual attraction. A fast spreader and soil stabilizer, redtwig dogwood produces a fantastic hillside or bank room filler. Plant in mass to get a lush green display in spring and summer and a fiery red landscape accent in fall and winter.
U. of Maryland Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Keep it growing. Whilst redtwig dogwood transplants well and simple to grow, its rapid growth rate and spreading nature can sometimes take over the landscape. In order to restrain the spread of redtwig dogwood, cut back branches and roots that touch the earth, preventing suckers.
Following its seasonal display of colour, the plant goes dormant before leafing out again in spring. Take this opportunity to lessen the shrub so as to permit for new growth. It’s about the younger stalks that you will observe the most spectacular red color.
While the plant was proven to be susceptible to leaf and twig blight, maintaining air circulation and light penetration are two good ways to become proactive and preventative.
More great design crops:
Hens-and-Chicks | Snake Flower | Toyon | Black Mondo Grass | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass | Red Kangaroo Paw | Blue Chalk Sticks | Catmint | Slipper Plant
Great design trees:
Manzanita | Japanese Maple | Persian Ironwood | Smoke Tree | Bald Cypress | Tree Aloe