Red Twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea
A native multi-season shrub prized for its brilliant red winter stems that provide stunning color when most plants are dormant. This adaptable shrub produces clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by white berries that attract birds, while the bright red bark creates dramatic winter interest against snow. Thriving in wet soils where other shrubs fail, it's perfect for rain gardens and naturalizing.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
2–7
USDA hardiness
Height
5-9 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Red Twig Dogwood in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 shrub →Zone Map
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Red Twig Dogwood · Zones 2–7
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasional Flooding, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet. Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 9 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Root Cutting, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
White with a blue tinge fruits are attractive to birds and hold even more ornamental value than the flowers.
Color: Blue, White. Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
History & Origin
Origin: North America
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Dry Soil, Erosion, Wet Soil, Wind
- +Attracts: Height: 5 ft. 0 in. - 9 ft. 0 in., Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
- +Wildlife value: Fruits are attractive to birds and small mammals and plants provide nesting sites. It is the larval host plant of the Spring Azure butterfly. Members of the genus Cornus support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Gonandrena) fragilis, Andrena (Gonandrena) integra, and Andrena (Gonandrena) platyparia.
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Elderberry
Similar moisture and soil requirements, attracts beneficial insects and birds
Wild Ginger
Thrives in similar partial shade conditions, provides groundcover beneath shrub
Astilbe
Complementary flowering times, both prefer moist soil and partial shade
Hosta
Excellent understory companion, similar shade and moisture preferences
Winterberry Holly
Compatible wetland shrub, extends winter interest with complementary red berries
Cardinal Flower
Thrives in similar moist conditions, attracts hummingbirds and pollinators
Ferns
Natural woodland companions, prefer same moist, partially shaded conditions
Spicebush
Native woodland shrub with similar habitat needs, supports native wildlife
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone which is toxic to many plants including dogwoods
Pine Trees
Acidify soil and create dry conditions unfavorable to moisture-loving dogwood
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds inhibit growth of nearby plants including dogwoods
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, very hardy
Common Pests
Few serious pest problems
Diseases
Leaf spot, canker in stressed conditions