Red osier dogwood is a deciduous shrub with a rounded, spreading form. Opposite leaves with rounded bases are ovate to lance-shaped and dark green, turning a dull red, purple-red, or orange in autumn. Clusters of white flowers appear in late May to early June, followed by white to pale blue fruit. Green stems turn reddish or purple-red from late summer into early fall, becoming brighter in winter.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsNative from Newfoundland to Manitoba and south to the central United States. May be hardy to Zone 2. Use as a screen, in a shrub border, or in mass plantings.
CareEasy to grow, this dogwood prefers moist soil but adapts to a range of soil types and locations. It tolerates wet soil. Removing older stems produces vigorous new shoots with vivid coloration.
PropagationSpreads by suckering.
ProblemsDogwood blight, powdery mildew, Discula blight, canker, bacterial leaf spot, and mushroom root rot can occur. Twig borers, weevils, sawfly, scale insects, aphids, leafhoppers, root knot nematodes, and thrips are common.
- Genus : Cornus
- Plant Width : 10 to 15 feet
- Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Moisture : Adaptable
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Characteristics : Interesting Bark
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : White
