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Red Osier Dogwood

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Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea): A hardy showstopper! Red Osier Dogwood is one of the best general purpose shrubs for northern landscapes, boasting good fall color and brilliant red stems that pop against winter snow. It can grow quite large, so plan ahead, and be aware of its tendency to sucker.

Characteristics

Average Landscape Height:
8 feet
Average Landscape Width:
10 feet
Growth Rate:
fast
Genus:
Cornus
Species:
sericea
Flower Color:
cream
Flower Period:
in late spring
Summer Foliage Color:
green
Fall Color:
brick red
Minimum Light:
partial shade
Maximum Light:
full sun
Minimum Moisture:
dry
Maximum Moisture:
wet
Plant Form:
round
Canopy:
closed
Pruning:
can prune at anytime
Pollution Tolerance:
high
Other Species Names:
C.stolonifera
Branching:
multi-stemmed

Ornamental Features

Red Osier Dogwood has clusters of creamy white flowers at the ends of the branches in late spring. It has green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding brick red in the fall. It produces white berries in late summer. The red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Red Osier Dogwood is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

Planting & Growing

Red Osier Dogwood will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America.

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