shrub

Red Osier Dogwood

Cornus baileyi

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20+ years

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A multi-stemmed, suckering deciduous shrub native to North America, prized for its vibrant red winter stems and four-season interest. It forms dense thickets, providing excellent wildlife habitat. This species is particularly noted for its brilliant crimson stems in winter, which provide striking color against snow. Its adaptability to wet soils makes it ideal for rain gardens and stream bank stabilization.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides unparalleled four-season interest with spring flowers, summer foliage, fall color, and most notably, brilliant red stems that illuminate the winter landscape. Its multi-stemmed, arching habit adds texture and form to garden beds.

Its dense, suckering root system makes it an excellent choice for soil stabilization on slopes, stream banks, and in erosion-prone areas. It can be used to create fast-growing, informal hedges and privacy screens.

A keystone native plant, its flowers support early pollinators, and its high-fat berries are a crucial food source for dozens of bird species. The dense thickets provide excellent cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

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Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location in full sun to part shade with moist soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base, avoiding the stems.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.

Pro Tip

For the most vibrant red stems, prune out one-third of the oldest canes every one to two years in late winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in full sun locations.
Prune regularly to maintain vibrant stem color and control size.
Allow space for its suckering habit or use a root barrier.
Plant in groups for a dramatic winter display.

Don't

Don't plant in very dry, sandy soils without supplemental water.
Avoid shearing into a formal shape; it ruins the natural habit.
Don't let it dry out completely, especially during establishment.
Refrain from pruning after early spring to avoid removing flower buds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Striking winter interest shrubNaturalizing for erosion controlWildlife garden and hedgerow

Companion Plants

Salix discolor (Pussy Willow) Betula nigra (River Birch) Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) Sambucus canadensis (Elderberry)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Osier Dogwood questions

What zones can Red Osier Dogwood grow in?

Red Osier Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Osier Dogwood deer resistant?

Yes — Red Osier Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Osier Dogwood bloom?

Red Osier Dogwood typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Osier Dogwood need full sun?

Red Osier Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.