Species
Cornus sericeaRedosier Dogwood12 other cultivars
‘Red Twig’Red Twig Dogwood
‘Arctic Fire’Arctic Fire Red Osier Dogwood
‘Cardinal’Cardinal Red Osier Dogwood
‘For the Birds’For the Birds Red Osier Dogwood
‘Bud’Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood
‘Budd's Yellow Twig’Budd's Yellow Twig Dogwood
‘Kelseyi’Kelsey Dogwood
‘Farrow’Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood
‘Isanti’Isanti Red-Osier Dogwood
‘Firedance’Firedance Dogwood
‘Allemans Dwarf’Alleman's Dwarf Redosier Dogwood
‘Flaviramea’Yellow Twig Dogwood
The Story
Plant Bio
A deciduous shrub known for its vibrant yellow stems and white flowers.
The cultivar is particularly noted for its striking yellow stems that stand out in winter.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
84 inches
Width
108 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate to high
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
10-20 years
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
- Plant young shrubs in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.
- Water regularly during dry spells to establish roots.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring each year.
- Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead branches.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently, especially during dry periods 🌱
- Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Fertilize with a balanced shrub fertilizer in spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late summer or fall — wait until after flowering
- Refrain from planting in poorly drained soil
- Don’t ignore pest signs — early action is key
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Golden Dogwood questions
What zones can Golden Dogwood grow in?
Golden Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Golden Dogwood deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Golden Dogwood, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Golden Dogwood bloom?
Golden 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 Golden Dogwood need full sun?
Golden Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Cornus to compare
Red Twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Red Twig'
Arctic Fire Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Arctic Fire'
Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Cardinal Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
Midwinter Fire Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'
Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree
Cornus controversa
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Golden Dogwood with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.