Red Osier Dogwood - Cornus Sericea

Red Osier Dogwood has stunning stems. These brilliant scarlet branches stand out against the white backdrop of snow, creating a visually appealing contrast that adds interest to the landscape. Additionally, the shrub's deciduous foliage turns a rich burgundy in the fall, contributing to the seasonal variety and enhancing the overall appeal of the landscape.

Its, sometimes called scarlet twig rather than osier, is a deciduous shrub that stands out for its distinct coloring, prominent size, and much more. If you're looking to vary the look of your space and incorporate something different that stands out among some of your other plants, this is a beautiful choice. Here's how this shrub can elevate your garden to the next level.

Red Osier Dogwood Adds Color Throughout the Year

It is a uniquely colorful shrub with something to offer your garden throughout the year. In the early summer, small bunches of white flowers bloom and add a touch of delicate beauty to your space. After blooming, this shrub produces white berries and leaves that start to turn with the seasons. When everything falls off the shrub, it reveals the vibrant crimson branches underneath, providing color throughout the year.

Red Osier Dogwood Attracts Rare Wildlife and Pollinators 

Both the flowers and the berries of this shrub serve as food sources for butterfly larvae, songbirds, and bees. Not only will these be a joy to see flittering and floating about your garden, but they also pollinate the flowers of this shrub and surrounding plants.

There are some areas of our yard where we need help growing most plants. But is that an issue with this shrub? It actually loves moisture, making it more well-suited for areas of your property where other things may not take. Better yet, it proliferates and is relatively hardy. These shrubs can reach a towering six to nine feet tall and wide, so they'll make themselves known once they've established themselves in your yard.

This Shrub Helps With Soil Erosion

It spreads fast, which can be beneficial if you're growing it in areas where the spreading root systems can take hold and reduce the soil erosion your space would otherwise encounter. If you're tired of looking at roots, these shrubs may also reduce the amount of weed growth in the area. It's a bonus as you see beautiful shrubs yearly and benefit from weedless, healthy soil.

Where does it grow well?

It grows best in acidic to neutral, moist, well-drained soils and prefers full to partial sun. This plant species originates from North America; it is preferable in zones 2-8; its natural habitat includes swamps, river edges, and the forest. 

Is it a woody plant? 

Indeed, it is also a type of woody plant, mainly a shrub that has scarlet stems throughout the winter season. It prefers a humid climate and is a deciduous plant with a growth habit that can spread to 6-9 feet tall if left uncontrolled by pruning. 

How can you keep it small? 

It needs hard pruning, and this should be done when the plant is still small, preferably at the beginning of winter or at the end of spring. Cut off older and larger branches to increase branching and density and retain a bright scarlet foliage color. 

How quickly does it grow? 

It is a fast-growing shrub that may grow up to one to two feet per year under ideal conditions. It grows fast in any kind of terrain, becoming an excellent plant for hedges and erosion prevention. 

How do you harvest it?

Red Osier Dogwood stems are to be harvested in fall or winter because that is when these stems are most colorful. When pruning, use sharp pruning shears and choose healthy stems for cutting, ornamental, or for propagation.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Under 10 Feet

Care

Red Osier Dogwood thrives in moist, well-drained soil. It is trimmed in late winter to keep its shape and clear dead or damaged branches. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots. This plant is also tolerant of occasional flooding.

Plant Reproduction

Red Osier Dogwood spreads through stolons and root suckers.

Plant bare-root shrubs during the more excellent spring or fall months, from November through April. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and slightly more profound than its height. Position the shrub so that the top of the roots is level with the ground, and put back the soil dug over the roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not touch the shrub's stem. Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish strong roots. Prune shrubs as needed to promote healthy growth. In the spring, fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer suited to the specific needs of the shrub.

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