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Cornus sericea
In the wild red osier dogwoods grow in near swamps and on river banks, where they form dense thickets; they are characterized by creamy white flowers and fruits that are attractive to birds and butterflies, but their best feature are the stems, which turn a deep red in the fall, as soon as temperature drops. Plants benefit from pruning if a more compact size and shape are desired and also to produce red stems for winter interest, as plants tend to lose their color as they age. Pruning is best done in late winter, when plants are still dormant. Red osier dogwoods are a good choice for the mixed border, in rain gardens or in combination with evergreens or plants with exfoliating bark (such as river birches and oakleaf hydrangeas) to provide color contrast in winter. If left unchecked, they can be used for screening. They are not deer resistant and they can be affected by leaf spots in humid weather.
Height at pickup: 2’+
Height: 3-10 ft
Spread: 4-8 ft
Pot size: 5 gal
Bloom time: Late spring
Light: Sun to light shade
Moisture: Medium to wet
Attracts: Birds, butterflies, and moths
Deer resistant: No
Companion plants: winterberry, summersweet, ninebark
Picture: Lady Bird Johnson, Smith, R.W.
Cornus sericea
In the wild red osier dogwoods grow in near swamps and on river banks, where they form dense thickets; they are characterized by creamy white flowers and fruits that are attractive to birds and butterflies, but their best feature are the stems, which turn a deep red in the fall, as soon as temperature drops. Plants benefit from pruning if a more compact size and shape are desired and also to produce red stems for winter interest, as plants tend to lose their color as they age. Pruning is best done in late winter, when plants are still dormant. Red osier dogwoods are a good choice for the mixed border, in rain gardens or in combination with evergreens or plants with exfoliating bark (such as river birches and oakleaf hydrangeas) to provide color contrast in winter. If left unchecked, they can be used for screening. They are not deer resistant and they can be affected by leaf spots in humid weather.
Height at pickup: 2’+
Height: 3-10 ft
Spread: 4-8 ft
Pot size: 5 gal
Bloom time: Late spring
Light: Sun to light shade
Moisture: Medium to wet
Attracts: Birds, butterflies, and moths
Deer resistant: No
Companion plants: winterberry, summersweet, ninebark
Picture: Lady Bird Johnson, Smith, R.W.