Red Twig Dogwood• Cornus sericea
Growth Habit and Planting Environment
Red Twig Dogwood is a deciduous native shrub well-known for it's striking red stems, adding visual interest to otherwise dull landscapes. In spring, it produces clusters of small white flowers on top of glossy bright green leaves. Berries ripen into white or bluish berries in summer and are a favorite of wildlife foragers. Typically growing 6-10 feet tall and wide, this shrub is well-suited to riparian areas, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes, and tolerates some seasonal flooding. It is not suited for dry areas with low access to moisture.
Seasonal Cycle
Breaking dormancy in early to mid-spring, Red Twig Dogwood will start to push out fresh green foliage when soil temperatures reach 45–55°F and air temperatures stabilize above 50°F.
Through summer, it maintains dense green growth while fertilized flowers develop berries that ripen mid to late summer. In fall, foliage transitions to shades of yellow, orange, or red before dropping, reveling the bright red stems that define the plant's presence in the coming winter. It remains dormant until the following spring, with intense cold spells increasing it's red color.
Planting Tips
Red Twig Dogwood performs best in full sun to part shade, however stem color will react to the amount of sunlight it receives. Sunnier locations will produce brighter stems. It prefers consistently moist soils but is highly adaptable to clay soils, seasonal flooding, and a range of soil textures once established.
Plant in fall or early spring, spacing plants 6-10 feet apart to account for mature size and spread. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. To maintain vibrant stem color, prune out older stems every 2-3 years in late winter or early spring. This will encourage fresh growth from the base. Outside of pruning for aesthetics, Red Twig Dogwood needs very little maintenance or fertilizer.
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