Redosier Dogwood — Cornus sericea
Overview: Tough, multi-stemmed shrub famous for its bright red winter stems. Big seasonal show: creamy white flowers late spring, white to bluish berries in summer, and red–purple fall color. Spreads slowly by stolons—great for hedges, massing, and stabilizing slopes or shorelines.
Size & habit: Typically 6–9′ tall × 6–9′ wide (smaller on lean sites). Upright-oval to rounded; suckering forms broad colonies over time.
Growth rate: Fast.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 2–7.
Light: Full sun to part shade (best stem color and flowering in full sun).
Soil & water: Highly adaptable—sand, loam, or clay. Thrives with even moisture and tolerates periodic wet soils; suitable for rain gardens and streambanks. pH flexible.
Stems, leaves, flowers & fruit:
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Stems: Young twigs bright red (color intensifies in cold); older wood darkens—renew regularly.
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Leaves: Opposite, ovate, medium green; red–purple fall tones.
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Flowers: Flat-topped creamy clusters (late spring/early summer), pollinator friendly.
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Fruit: White to blue-white drupes in clusters, late summer; valuable for birds.
Tolerance / concerns:
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Tolerant: Cold, wind, wet soils, and urban conditions; good for erosion control.
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Concerns: Can sucker aggressively (plan space). Possible leaf spots, cankers, scale/aphids; generally manageable with good air flow. Deer/rabbits may browse—protect young plants.
Pruning (for brightest red stems):
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Remove ⅓ of the oldest stems at the base each late winter (“renewal pruning”).
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For maximum color, you can stool (cut all stems to 6–12″) in late winter; this sacrifices flowers/fruit that season but produces vivid new shoots.
Landscape uses: Winter stem color, informal hedges/screens, mass plantings, rain gardens, shorelines and swales, naturalized borders, wildlife cover and food.
Spacing (on-center):
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Hedge/screen: 4–6 ft
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Naturalized mass: 5–8 ft
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Specimen clumps: allow 6–10 ft spread
Planting tip: Set the root flare at or slightly above grade; apply a 2–3″ mulch ring (keep off stems). Water regularly the first season; thereafter, prune annually to keep color fresh and size in check.
