Georgia Gardener Newsletter Cool Plant: March 9, 2006
Redtwig Dogwood
Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
This suckering shrub dogwood is native to much of the northern U.S. (zones 2-7) where it can
be found colonizing the edges of lakes, streams and rivers. Unlike its southern
cousin the Florida dogwood tree, redtwig dogwood enjoys full sun and damp soil
to shallow water. It's easily spotted in the winter with its shocking red stems.
In the late spring, redtwig dogwood blooms with flat clusters of tiny white flowers
followed by white berries in late summer. To promote the growth of new stems which have
the brighest color, the shrub should be pruned every 1-2 years just after it blooms.
A yellow variation of this plant exists (Cornus sericea 'Lutea') which is more heat tolerant
and grows in zones 3-9.
For more information on redtwig dogwood, visit this
website.
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