Other names: Red-Twig Dogwood, Redosier, Red Willow
This showy dogwood shrub grows 8-9 ft (up to 12 ft) tall. Cornus sericea features showy outwardly spreading red branches. Enjoy a display of white flowers in the spring/summer months and white berries (the berries are edible but bitter). Then, in fall through the winter months, a beautiful display of red leaves and red branches.
Interesting fact: Native Americans used the inner bark of the Red Osier dogwood as a tobacco substitute. Some save the branches today to weave fanciful baskets.
How to Care for Red Osier Dogwood Shrubs
Can be planted in rows 3-4 ft apart for spacing. Prune every year to retain the red color. It is essential to prune old stems and twigs in order to keep it’s vibrancy. Prune up to 1/3 of the plant. Luckily, these dogwoods can grow in any soil type. They can even grow in muddy grounds with standing water. They thrive in full sun but will grow in partial shade as well. Fertilize in spring with a basic slow release fertilizer.
Germination Procedure: Cold stratify seeds in the freezer for 2-3 months to simulate winter and thus break dormancy. Sow seeds in warm temperatures. The seed coating is hard so warm moisture is what will get them sprouting. Sow at 1/8th an inch deep. Keep seeds and soil moist throughout the germination phase: 3 months.
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