Red Osier Dogwood
cornus sericea
Also known as: ["Redtwig Dogwood","Flowering Dogwood"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub known for its vibrant red stems, especially prominent in winter, and clusters of small white flowers followed by white berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Genus: | Cornus |
| Botanical Name: | Cornus sericea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: mixed borders, woodland edges, or naturalized areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"2–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with organic matter; well-draining but moisture-retentive.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy (can remove up to one-third of old stems each year).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates dappled light in hotter climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth if needed; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
moist, well-drained, fertile soil
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; ensure consistent moisture; amend with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters and moderate heat; prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth.
Protect from frost in early spring; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; dilute liquid fertilizers to half strength; avoid fertilizing stressed plants.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (softwood or semi-hardwood) or division.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Early summer for stem cuttings; early spring for division.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat-based mix with perlite or sand for good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take one growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut stems back to the ground or to a healthy lateral bud; thin out crowded growth.
Pruning Plan
Renewal pruning to maintain vigor and shape; remove old or damaged stems annually.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers, or saw for larger stems; disinfect tools between cuts.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before new growth begins; remove dead or crossing branches; make clean cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
For containers, move to a pot 2–3 inches larger in diameter; for division, replant divisions at the same depth.
Method
Gently lift the plant; divide roots with a sharp knife or spade; replant in amended soil with good drainage.
Suggestions
Not typically needed unless grown in containers; division is more common for ground-grown plants.
Checklist
Prepare new container or site; trim any damaged roots; use fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture penetration to a depth of 6–8 inches, and allow excess water to drain freely to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, adjusting for rainfall.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress; wilting or chlorosis in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn purple or bronze; stems can become brittle; growth may slow or stop in prolonged cold.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from harsh winds; avoid overwatering in cold periods.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may become stunted; flowers may fade quickly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH before fertilizing; apply fertilizer evenly; water thoroughly after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer to prevent tender growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, ingestion of the berries of Cornus sericea may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in cats. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but ingestion can lead to mild discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Cornus sericea may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested in large quantities. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but ingestion can lead to mild discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCornus sericea, commonly known as Red Osier Dogwood, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. The berries are not known to cause significant toxicity, though they are not typically consumed for culinary purposes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Cornus sericea have any medicinal uses?
A: Historically, parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine, though modern use is limited.
Q: How can I propagate Cornus sericea?
A: It can be propagated through stem cuttings or division of roots in early spring.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Cornus sericea turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies; ensure proper soil conditions and moderate watering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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