Red Twig Dogwood - Cornus sericea

The Red Twig dogwod, also know as Red Osier is a shrub valued for its vibrant scarlet stems in winter and clusters of white flowers in spring, providing year-round visual appeal to landscapes. This stunning deciduous shrub features striking red stems that bring a bold touch to any outdoor space. With its captivating beauty, versatility, and resilience, this plant is a true gem that can enhance your outdoor sanctuary.

The shrub gets its name from its brilliant scarlet stems, which stand out in the bleakness of winter. The scientific community knows it as Cornus Sericea, which can reach a height of six to nine feet. However, gardeners and plant lovers often call it the scarlet twig. Cornus Sericea is native to North America and is a great yard addition.

Red Twig Dogwoods Aesthetics

It can be identified by its stringy, slightly elastic white pith. The American Indians knew the shrub as kinnikinik, one of 50 species found in North America.

It is known for its bright, scarlet branches and white flowers. The branches are most prominent in winter, and the flowers usually appear in the spring. If left unpruned, it can grow up to nine feet with a nine- to ten-foot canopy. The leaves range from two to five inches and two inches wide with prominent veining. In the summer, the white flowers produce clusters of white or blue-tinged fruits called drupes. Gardeners can watch the leaves change from green to orange in the fall and finally scarlet.

Red Osier Dogwood Attracts Birds 

It produces fruit in the summer that attracts a wide variety of birds. Gardeners can enjoy watching American goldfinches, eastern bluebirds, purple finches, and cardinals. It also attracts butterflies and bees.

Excellent For Borders and Walkways

Red Twig Dogwood can provide visual interest and make a statement in your yard and around your home. These shrubs can be planted in rows or alongside other shrubs and bushes to add variety and create natural borders between property lines. It is prized for its scarlet stems in winter and beautiful white flowers in the spring. It can be planted alongside pussy willow, maiden grass, hibiscus, winterberry, and azaleas to create a beautifully landscaped yard with plenty of curb appeal.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Summer

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Under 10 Feet

Care

Red Twig Dogwood thrives in well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry spells. Prune to preserve its form and remove any dead wood. Mulch close to the ground to maintain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Plant Reproduction

Spreads through root suckers forming dense thickets.

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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