Images Depict Mature Plants
Red Twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Bailyi'
Red Twig Dogwood is valued for its vibrant red stems that provide striking winter interest, creamy white spring blooms, and wildlife-attracting berries in fall. Ideal for mass plantings, erosion control, or as a winter focal point, this versatile shrub thrives in wet soils and full sun to partial shade.
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Red Twig Dogwood Shrubs for Sale Online
Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea baileyi) is a striking deciduous shrub known for its vibrant red stems that bring a bold splash of color to winter landscapes. During the growing season, this versatile shrub features lush green foliage and delicate clusters of creamy white flowers, which bloom in late spring and are followed by small, white berries that attract birds. As the leaves turn in the fall, they transition to shades of purple and red, creating multi-seasonal interest. Reaching a mature height of 6 to 9 feet, Red Twig Dogwood is perfect for adding height, color, and structure to mixed borders, foundation plantings, or as a stunning winter accent.
This hardy shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soil types, including wet or poorly drained areas, making it an ideal choice for rain gardens or along stream banks. Its ability to tolerate both wet and dry conditions makes Red Twig Dogwood an excellent choice for stabilizing soil in erosion-prone areas. In addition to its striking winter display, the shrub provides habitat and food for wildlife, with its berries attracting birds and its dense growth offering shelter for small animals. Its vibrant red branches are also popular in floral arrangements, adding a unique element to holiday decor.
Red Twig Dogwood is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond annual pruning to encourage vibrant new growth and maintain its characteristic red stems. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, removing older, darker stems to promote the growth of new, brightly colored branches. This shrub can be used in mass plantings for an impressive visual effect, as a privacy screen, or as a backdrop to perennial beds. Whether planted for its summer flowers, fall color, or winter appeal, Red Twig Dogwood brings year-round beauty and versatility to any landscape.
| Hardiness Zone: | 3-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 6 to 8 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 6 to 8 Feet |
| Classification: | Deciduous shrub |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part shade |
| Habit: | Deciduous, densely branched, multi-stemmed clump forming |
| Flower Color: | Fragrant white flowers in mid to late spring through early summer |
| Foliage: | New growth emerges a dark green, changing to an purplish red in the fall |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil but will tolerate "wet feet" |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, mass planting, or a specimen planting. Provides unmatched winter interest especially when planted in front of a contrasting backdrop |
How to Care for Red Twig Dogwood
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Red Twig Dogwood for years to come!
How do I Plant a Red Twig Dogwood Shrub?
To plant a Red Twig Dogwood shrub, start by selecting a site that receives full sun to partial shade, as more sunlight will enhance the vibrant red color of the stems in winter. Red Twig Dogwood can tolerate a range of soil types, but it thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is an excellent option for areas with poor drainage or prone to flooding. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide and as deep as the shrub's root ball. Gently place the Red Twig Dogwood into the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. Backfill the hole with the native soil, firming it gently around the roots to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly to help establish the roots. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and suppress weed growth, but be sure to keep the mulch away from the trunk. After planting, water the Red Twig Dogwood consistently, especially during the first growing season, to encourage strong root development. This shrub is adaptable and can handle both wet and dry conditions once established, making it relatively low-maintenance. If you’re planting multiple Red Twig Dogwoods for a hedge or mass planting, space them 5 to 8 feet apart to allow for their mature spread and proper airflow. Adding a slow-release balanced fertilizer in the spring can give your Red Twig Dogwood a boost and encourage lush growth and flowering. By following these steps, you can ensure your Red Twig Dogwood will thrive and provide beautiful seasonal interest, including vibrant red stems that bring color to your winter landscape.
How do I water a Red Twig Dogwood Shrub?
Watering a Red Twig Dogwood shrub correctly is crucial, especially during the first growing season, to ensure the development of a strong root system. Red Twig Dogwood prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. During hot or dry periods, the frequency of watering should increase to keep the soil from drying out completely. Water at the base of the plant to help the moisture reach the root zone, and avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can promote fungal diseases. Adding a layer of mulch around the base helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool, which is especially beneficial during the summer months. Once established, Red Twig Dogwood is relatively drought-tolerant, but it still benefits from occasional deep watering, particularly during extended dry spells. The key is to maintain evenly moist soil, as this shrub thrives best in a damp environment. If the shrub is planted in an area with poorly drained soil, take care not to overwater, as standing water can lead to root rot. Check the soil by sticking your finger a few inches deep—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Proper watering will help Red Twig Dogwood maintain lush green foliage during the growing season and ensure the vibrant red color of the stems during the winter months, making it a standout feature in your landscape.
How do I Fertilize a Red Twig Dogwood Shrub?
To fertilize a Red Twig Dogwood shrub and promote vibrant growth, it is best to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, just as new growth begins to emerge. Use a general-purpose fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, spreading it evenly around the base of the shrub while keeping it away from direct contact with the trunk to avoid damaging the bark. Water thoroughly after applying the fertilizer to help the nutrients reach the root zone and support healthy development. This feeding will help the shrub produce lush foliage, strong stems, and an abundance of spring flowers, setting the stage for a stunning winter display. For ongoing nourishment, consider adding organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, around the base of the Red Twig Dogwood each year. This helps improve soil quality and provides slow, natural nutrient release throughout the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the vibrant red coloration of the stems in winter. If the shrub appears less vigorous or has fewer flowers, a light feeding in late spring or early summer can also help rejuvenate it. By maintaining a proper fertilization schedule, you can ensure that your Red Twig Dogwood thrives and produces its characteristic red stems, which add striking color and interest to your landscape during the winter months.
How do I Prune a Red Twig Dogwood Shrub?
Pruning a Red Twig Dogwood shrub is essential for maintaining its vibrant red stems, as the most vivid color is found on young branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any old, dark stems that have lost their bright color. To keep the shrub healthy and colorful, cut back about one-third of the oldest stems to the ground each year. This encourages new shoots to grow, which will have the most striking red color during the winter months. Pruning in this way also helps improve air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. If your Red Twig Dogwood has become overgrown or needs rejuvenation, you can perform a more drastic pruning, known as coppicing, where you cut all the stems down to about 6-12 inches from the ground. This method will encourage the shrub to produce numerous new shoots with vibrant red color for the next winter season. Regular, selective pruning not only enhances the shrub's winter interest but also keeps it at a manageable size and shape, making it a beautiful addition to borders, hedges, or foundation plantings. By consistently removing older growth and encouraging new stems, you ensure your Red Twig Dogwood will remain a focal point in your landscape throughout the year, especially during the colder months.
