Species
Cornus sericeaRedosier Dogwood12 other cultivars
‘Arctic Fire’Arctic Fire Red Osier Dogwood
‘Cardinal’Cardinal Red Osier Dogwood
‘Golden Dogwood’Golden 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
Red Twig Dogwood is known for its striking red stems and exceptional hardiness. It provides year-round interest with its unique bark color and white flowers in the spring.
The vibrant red stems become particularly noticeable in winter, adding a beautiful contrast against snow.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
108 inches
Width
120 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial Shrub
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Fruit is mildly toxic if ingested
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny to partly shaded location for optimal growth.
- Plant in well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
- Tuck roots gently into the planting hole, ensuring the graft union is above soil level.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around roots.
- Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing branches.
Pro Tip
Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent diseases and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
- Prune in late winter to shape the plant
- Apply mulch annually to conserve moisture
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late summer or fall
- Never plant in poorly drained soil
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Red Twig Dogwood questions
What zones can Red Twig Dogwood grow in?
Red Twig 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 Twig Dogwood deer resistant?
Yes — Red Twig Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Red Twig Dogwood bloom?
Red Twig 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 Twig Dogwood need full sun?
Red Twig Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Cornus to compare
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
Golden Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Golden Dogwood'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Red Twig 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.