13 named cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Redosier Dogwood

$20.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus sericea, red-twig dogwood, is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native across most of North America, typically found along streams and wetland margins. Flat-topped clusters of creamy-white flowers open in early summer and are followed by white berries with a blue cast. Its real signature is winter bark: bright red to deep blood-red, strongest on the youngest stems.

It spreads by underground stems, which makes it excellent for holding banks and difficult wet ground but means it needs room or occasional root pruning. Because stem colour is brightest on new growth, hard renewal pruning is a routine part of getting the best from it.

Uses & Benefits:

Red winter stems carry the garden through the bleakest months, with white flowers and berries earlier in the year.

Suckering roots bind soil on banks and in wet low spots where few shrubs hold.

Larval host for the spring azure butterfly, supports specialist bees, and its berries and thickets feed and shelter songbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

90 inches

Width

90 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Moderate to high

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Marketplace

Where to Buy

PlantingTree

In Stock$20.95

Spring Hill Nursery

Bareroot

In Stock$29.99

Fast Growing Trees

In Stock$45.95

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$79.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring or autumn in moist, organically rich soil.
Choose full sun for the strongest stem colour; give afternoon shade in hot climates.
Space plants generously, allowing for spread by underground stems.
Water regularly through the first season to establish.
Mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
Cut a third of the oldest stems to the ground each spring to renew colour.

Pro Tip

Stem colour is brightest on first-year wood, so prune the oldest third out every spring rather than shearing the whole shrub.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune out the oldest stems in early spring for the best winter colour ✂️
Keep the soil consistently moist 🌱
Plant in full sun where summers are mild ☀️
Use it to stabilise banks and wet ground 💧

Don't

Shear the whole shrub instead of renewing from the base ❌
Let it run unchecked in a small bed ❌
Plant in hot full sun in southern gardens ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Prune
Water

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Winter-interest hedge or mass plantingBank and slope stabilisationRain garden and streamside border

Companion Plants

Winterberry Buttonbush Switchgrass Joe Pye Weed Ninebark

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 4–7. 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?

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

When does Redosier Dogwood bloom?

Redosier Dogwood typically blooms in early summer through early 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.