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Cornus sericea
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

red osier dogwood

A wide-spreading, vigorous, suckering shrub to 1.8m in height with thin, mid-green leaves with a grey underside which turn red in the autumn, and deep to bright red winter stems. Flowers are creamy white, in corymbs to 7.5cm wide and followed by white, rounded hard berries which contrast well with the autumn foliage.

Other common names
American dogwood
Synonyms
Cornus stolonifera
Swida stolonifera
see moreCornus alba misapplied

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring
Summer Cream White Green Grey Silver
Autumn Red White
Winter Red
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Suckering
Genus

Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N America

How to grow

Cultivation

Will grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see winter stem colour cultivation or flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by hardwood cuttings, semi-ripe cuttings or layering.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 7 each year to produce vigorous colourful young shoots will help to keep the shrub compact

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus

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