shrubN. America Native

Isanti Red-Osier Dogwood

Cornus sericea 'Isanti'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

84 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

High

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

20-30 years with renewal pruning

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus sericea is a multi-stemmed, suckering shrub native to North America, famous for its colorful stems that provide brilliant winter interest. 'Isanti' is a compact selection with a finer texture and consistently bright red winter stems, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or mass plantings.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The primary ornamental feature is the brilliant red color of its young stems in winter, which provides a stunning contrast against snow. It also has pleasant summer foliage, white spring flowers, and white berries.

Its fibrous, suckering root system makes it an excellent choice for soil stabilization on moist banks and slopes. The cut stems are popular for winter floral arrangements and outdoor decorations.

The flowers provide nectar for pollinators, and the white, high-fat berries are a food source for over 95 species of birds. The thicket-forming habit offers excellent cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun for best stem color, in moist soil.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring it's at the same depth as in the pot.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.
This plant thrives in wet areas, so water frequently after planting.
Mulch to retain soil moisture.

Pro Tip

For the most vibrant red stems, prune out the oldest third of the canes each year in late winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide plenty of water, especially in drier sites.
Plant in full sun to achieve the brightest red winter color.
Prune regularly to encourage new, colorful growth.
Use in mass plantings for the most dramatic winter effect.

Don't

Don't plant in hot, dry locations.
Avoid letting the soil completely dry out.
Don't shear the plant into a formal shape; allow its natural form.
Don't be afraid to prune hard; it responds well.

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

Vibrant winter interest hedgeMassed for streamside stabilizationEffective in rain gardens and bioswales

Companion Plants

Salix discolor (Pussy Willow) Carex muskingumensis (Palm Sedge) Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) Panicum virgatum (Switchgrass) Betula nigra (River Birch)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Isanti Red-Osier Dogwood questions

What zones can Isanti Red-Osier Dogwood grow in?

Isanti 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 Isanti Red-Osier Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Isanti Red-Osier Dogwood bloom?

Isanti 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 Isanti Red-Osier Dogwood need full sun?

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