Plant, Tree & Shrub Library

Other Names:  Cornus sericea 'Baileyi'

Description:

An incredibly attractive and vigorous shrub valued for its blazing red stems which glow against the winter snow, fruits are also ornamental; shrubby sprawling habit but suckers much less than the species

Ornamental Features

Red-Twig Dogwood is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent powder blue berries in late summer. It 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. The cherry red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Red-Twig Dogwood is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. 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.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Red-Twig Dogwood is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Red-Twig Dogwood will grow to be about 9 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 9 feet. It has a low canopy, 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.