Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood

Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Cardinal')

Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood is a multi stem shrub prized for vivid red winter stems, creamy white spring flowers, and clean green leaves that redden in fall. Its fast, thicket forming habit excels in borders, screens, and rain gardens where four season color is desired.

Distinctive Features

Brilliant coral red new stems glow in winter light, while flat clusters of spring bloom give way to white fruit that attracts birds. Color is strongest on young stems maintained by periodic renewal pruning.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; full sun produces the best stem color.
• Soil: Adaptable, well drained to periodically moist soils; tolerates clay and wet sites.
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture, especially in summer.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7.
• Mature Size: Typically 6 to 9 ft tall and 6 to 9 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Red winter stems provide striking cold season color.
• Hedges and Screens: Dense, suckering habit forms effective living barriers.
• Mass Plantings: Repeats color and texture along property lines and banks.
• Rain Gardens: Thrives in seasonally wet soils and stabilizes edges.
• Foundation Backdrops: Four season structure behind perennials and small shrubs.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during establishment and in dry spells to maintain even moisture.
• Pruning: In late winter remove one third of the oldest stems to the base or stool hard every few years to renew color.
• Fertilizing: Feed lightly in early spring based on soil tests; excessive nitrogen is unnecessary.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 to 3 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch off stems.
• Notes: Suckers lightly; remove where spread is not desired and provide good air flow to reduce disease pressure.

Why Choose Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood?

• Winter Impact: Stem color ignites the landscape when flowers are scarce.
• Adaptable: Handles sun, partial shade, and a wide range of soils.
• Wildlife Value: Flowers support pollinators and berries feed birds.
• Easy and Fast: Quick to establish and simple to maintain with renewal pruning.
• Design Versatility: Works as specimen, hedge, or mass in naturalistic plantings.

Site in full sun for the brightest stems, keep moisture steady, and renew older canes in late winter to maintain vivid color and dense form.