Red Osier Dogwood - Cornus sericea

Red Osier Dogwood is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It is a rapidly growing, multi-stemmed shrub. The numerous stems of this shrub radiate from the center of the plant in a gently arching habit.

In autumn, the foliage of this shrub turns from a lush green to orangey-red, initially, and later matures to burgundy red. In the winter months, after losing all of its leaves, its bright rusty red stems are exposed. When placed against the backdrop of stark white snow, this shrub will add a zestful pop of color to the winter landscape.

Plant Details - Red Osier Dogwood

Family: Cornaceae

Hardiness Zones: 2–7

Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate to high

Height: 6-9 ft

Spread: 6-9 ft

Growth Rate: Fast

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Flower Color: Creamy white

Wildlife Value: Provides both food and shelter for birds and small mammals

In spring, flowers emerge as a flat-topped panicle of creamy white petals. The inflorescence appears almost fuzzy due to the delicate and relatively long stamen structure. The flowers attract a range of pollinators to the garden.

Once pollinated, even the berries of the Red Osier Dogwood are attractive. The skin of the berries is pale green-blue with a dark blue dot at the blossom end. In autumn, the berries contrast beautifully with the backdrop of the fall-colored leaves. However, the berries persist into winter attached to their panicles which are usually deep purply pink in color adding yet another unique color combination to enjoy.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Red Osier Dogwood

This plant is deer resistant, and pest and disease free. Plant in full sun or part shade. This shrub will grow in rich, medium to wet soils; however, they are quite resilient and will tolerate a range of soil types when kept moist and well-drained. The plant does spread through sucker, so remove these if the plant is spreading to undesirable locations.

It makes an excellent addition to a shrub border or planted in mass. It does particularly well along streams or ponds. The best winter stem color is displayed on the new growth so it is recommended to cut the shrub to the ground every 2-3 years.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Showy winter stems, attractive to pollinators, easy to grow.

This charming shrub will add year-round appeal to your garden with its lush green summer leaves and bright rust red winter stems. Shop for Red Osier Dogwood shrubs online at TN Nursery. For 68 years, we have served the landscaping industry and homeowners with specimen plants.

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.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Shrubs

Bare root shrubs are a budget-friendly and efficient way to plant during the cooler months when they’re dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a site with the appropriate light exposure for the species—most flowering shrubs prefer full to partial sun. Dig a hole wide enough to spread out the roots and deep enough so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) sits level with the soil surface.

Mound a bit of soil at the bottom of the hole, spread the roots over it, and backfill with native soil while gently firming it to remove air pockets. Water deeply after planting to settle the roots. Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first growing season to encourage healthy establishment.

Mulch around the base (not touching the stems) to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to remove any broken branches and to shape after the first flush of growth. With minimal care, bare root shrubs will leaf out beautifully and grow into reliable, long-term landscape anchors.

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