The Red Twig Dogwood: A Winter Wonder in the Landscape

If you're looking for a shrub that provides year-round interest, the red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea formerly C.stolonifera) is just the one. Well known for its amazing bright red stems in winter, the red twig dogwood is also notable for its fast growth. This fast-growing shrub is so named for its deep red stems, which are more pronounced during winter. Once spring arrives, the lightly fragrant and creamy-white blooms begin to appear. These are followed by attractive white berries in summer. The red twig dogwood is a deciduous shrub-meaning its greenish-gray leaves eventually give way to vivid maroon-colored foliage in fall. There is also a lovely variegated form available as well.

In addition to its beauty, the red twig dogwood flourishes in nearly any landscape, growing prolifically in zones 3-8. While the shrub prefers full sun, it tolerates some shade, but growing red twig dogwood in shade reduces its red color in winter so keep this in mind. It can be grown in a wide range of soils and is even drought tolerant once established; however, the shrub is most favorable to moist conditions. This makes it especially suited for woodland or bog-like gardens. Its small stature (4-8 feet tall) also makes this shrub an excellent addition to mixed shrub borders. Likewise, the red twig dogwood can be planted in masses within larger areas of the landscape or left on its own as a specimen planting. With its strong root system, this shrub can be easily transplanted and is also effective for controlling erosion when situated on slopes or banks.

Once established, the red twig dogwood requires little care or maintenance. Although not a requirement, the shrub can be fertilized in early spring. Pruning should be done in late winter, taking about a third of the older branches. While pruning is not necessary for the overall health of red twig dogwood, it's a good way to maximize its red color for winter enjoyment, as the stems are brightest on new growth. Pruning also helps maintain a neat, crisp appearance. As the shrub is quite hardy, overgrown plants can be cut to the ground without any ill effects. The red twig dogwood can also be easily propagated through hardwood cuttings taken in late fall.

Growing this shrub is easy and well worth the extra effort with pruning. Red twig dogwoods should be planted where they can be easily viewed and appreciated throughout the year, but especially during winter. Once the leaves have dropped, this winter beauty begins to take on its peak performance. No more dark, dreary winter days. The stunning red twig dogwood lights up nearly any winter landscape, even more so with a little snow as a winter wonder backdrop.