Add Winter Interest with Red Twig Dogwood

The Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea), also known as Red Coral Dogwood, is a striking deciduous shrub celebrated for its vibrant red stems, providing exceptional winter interest in any landscape. This hardy shrub is a favorite among garden enthusiasts and landscape designers alike due to its low-maintenance nature and dramatic color.

This landscape plant thrives in USDA zones 3 through 8 and typically grows to a height of 6 to 9 feet. Its adaptability to various soil types and its tolerance of both full sun and partial shade make it a versatile choice for different garden settings. Whether used as a focal point or as part of a mixed shrub border, the Red Twig Dogwood adds a splash of color during the dormant season.

One of the key benefits of the Red Twig Dogwood is its visual appeal throughout the year. In spring, it produces clusters of creamy white flowers, followed by bluish-white berries that attract birds. However, it’s the brilliant red stems that truly steal the show in winter, providing a stunning contrast against the snow-covered ground. This shrub is also relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and encourage vibrant stem color.

To maximize the impact of your Red Coral Dogwood, consider planting it in groups or masses. This not only enhances the visual effect but also provides better support for the stems, preventing them from sprawling. Regular pruning in late winter or early spring will encourage the growth of new, brightly colored stems. With its combination of beauty, hardiness, and ease of care, the Red Twig Dogwood is an excellent choice for adding year-round interest to any garden or landscape.

The Redtwig Dogwood is a great selection as this shrub ships bare root in the fall and winter until warmer weather. During growing season they will ship in pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How big will the Red Twig Dogwood get? The Red Twig Dogwood typically reaches a height of 6 to 9 feet and a similar spread.
• What kind of soil does it need? It adapts well to various soil types but prefers well-drained soil.
• How much sunlight does it need? It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• When is the best time to plant it? The ideal planting time is in the spring or fall.
• How do I prune the Red Twig Dogwood to maintain its red color? Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new stem growth, which produces the most vibrant red color. Remove about one-third of the oldest stems each year.