Species

Cornus sericeaRedosier Dogwood

15 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Redosier Dogwood

Cornus sericea 'Baileyi'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus sericea is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to moist thickets, riverbanks, and wetland edges across North America. It produces dense, flat-topped clusters of small white flowers in late spring followed by white fruits that feed songbirds into winter.

'Baileyi' is distinguished by its tidy, clump-forming habit that refrains from aggressive underground suckering spread. Its foliage turns deep purple-red in fall, and young winter stems display brilliant bright crimson bark that dulls on older wood.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking bright red winter stems, white spring flower clusters, and rich purple-red fall foliage.

Thrives in low-lying, wet soils where other shrubs fail due to excess water.

Flowers attract pollinators and hummingbirds, while fall berries feed songbirds.

SpeciesCornus sericeaRedosier Dogwood

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96"

Width

96"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium to High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun or partial shade with moist, fertile soil.
Set the plant at the same soil depth as its nursery container and water thoroughly.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone to hold soil moisture.
Prune out older, thick stems near soil level in late winter to force new red stems.

Pro Tip

Cut back one-third of the oldest stems to the ground each late winter; vibrant red bark forms only on young stem growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer periods.
Prune older wood back in late winter to maintain vivid winter stem color.
Mulch the root zone to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Don't

Do not allow soil around newly planted shrubs to dry out completely.
Avoid leaving thick stems unpruned for multiple years as stem color turns gray-brown.
Do not overhead water late in the day to minimize foliage fungal infections.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rain gardensWinter color accentMass plantingsShrub bordersErosion control on slopes

Companion Plants

Betula nigra Picea glauca Ilex verticillata Carex stricta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Redosier Dogwood questions

What zones can Redosier Dogwood grow in?

Redosier 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 Redosier Dogwood deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Redosier Dogwood, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Redosier Dogwood bloom?

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

Does Redosier Dogwood need full sun?

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