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Red Osier Dogwood

Name: Red Osier Dogwood
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMENCES
Price: 4.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Red Osier Dogwood

Latin name Cornus sericea

Quantity per packet Minimum 40 seeds

Red Osier Dogwood supports biodiversity by providing nectar, berries, and shelter for wildlife. It also helps stabilize moist soils and streambanks.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameRed Osier Dogwood

Latin nameCornus sericea

FamilyCornaceae

TypeNative shrub

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 40 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0016

Product
description

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is an exceptionally hardy native shrub valued for its generous habit, creamy white June flowers, and especially its vivid red stems that brighten the winter garden. Its green foliage forms a dense, natural mass, perfect for adding structure to landscape plantings. Reaching 1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft) tall with a spread of 2 to 3 m (6.5 to 10 ft), it creates a strong presence while keeping its informal, countryside character. Hardy to -40°C (-40°F), this deciduous shrub combines four-season ornamental interest, pollinator-friendly flowers, and outstanding ecological value.

Red Osier Dogwood grows in full sun to partial shade in cool to moist, well-drained loamy to clay soil. It tolerates heavy soils and periodically wet sites, making it an excellent choice for riparian buffers and rain gardens. Regular watering is recommended during establishment and dry periods, especially when grown in large containers. A spring application of mature compost is usually enough to support vigorous growth. Rejuvenation pruning every few years encourages the production of younger, brighter-colored stems and helps maintain a dense habit.

In the garden, Red Osier Dogwood is ideal for country hedges, natural screens, shoreline stabilization, and wildlife-friendly landscapes. It pairs beautifully with Highbush Cranberry, Northern Blue Flag Iris, Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, and Flat-Topped White Aster, especially in cool or moist areas. Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while its white to bluish berries feed birds and small mammals. The colorful stems can also be used in winter arrangements, adding lasting decorative value to this versatile native shrub.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after scarification and stratification

Best time

Spring or autumn

Sowing depth10 mm

Spacing / density

2 to 3 m (6.5 to 10 ft)

Germination temperature20 to 22 °C (68 to 72 °F)

Germination time25 days

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings, layering, or seed.

Growing
method

Sow Red Osier Dogwood seeds in autumn or in spring after scarification followed by cold stratification to break dormancy. Use a cool, moist growing medium and maintain consistent moisture throughout germination. Plant in full sun to partial shade in rich, moisture-retentive soil. Young plants establish steadily, developing a strong root system that helps stabilize streambanks and moist soils. Once established, this hardy native shrub requires little maintenance and quickly forms attractive wildlife hedges and natural screens with brilliant red winter stems.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Loamy to clay soil that remains cool to moist and well-drained. This species tolerates heavy soils and periodically wet sites.

Soil pH5.5 to 7.5

Watering

Water regularly during establishment and during dry periods. This species prefers consistently cool to moist soil without remaining permanently waterlogged.

Fertilization

A yearly application of mature compost in spring is generally sufficient. Excessive fertilization is unnecessary and may reduce the intensity of the colorful young stems.

Care levelLow

In spring, remove dead branches and lightly prune to encourage vigorous new red stems. During summer, maintain cool soil with organic mulch and water during prolonged dry periods. In autumn, apply compost to enrich the soil and support future growth. Throughout winter, enjoy the spectacular red stems, which become even more vibrant after periodic rejuvenation pruning.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

45 to 60 cm (18 to 24 in)

Red Osier Dogwood can be grown in a very large, deep container with excellent drainage. Use a rich growing medium that retains moisture while remaining well aerated. Regular watering is essential during summer to prevent drought stress. In containers, its attractive foliage, flowers, berries, and brilliant red winter stems provide exceptional ornamental value on patios and large balconies.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its brilliant red winter stems brighten the landscape while providing food and shelter for wildlife. This native shrub combines exceptional ornamental beauty with outstanding ecological value.

Red Osier Dogwood supports biodiversity by providing nectar, berries, and shelter for wildlife. It also helps stabilize moist soils and streambanks.

Garden use

Red Osier Dogwood is ideal for natural hedgerows, shoreline stabilization, rain gardens, and wildlife-friendly landscapes. It combines beautifully with moisture-loving native perennials and shrubs while supporting pollinators with its flowers and birds with its berries. Its vivid red stems create spectacular winter interest, making it one of the finest native shrubs for year-round ecological landscapes.

Bloom period

Creamy white flowers bloom in June, attracting numerous pollinators while contrasting beautifully with the rich green foliage.

Flower colorCreamy white

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

August to September

Fruiting

Decorative white to bluish berries

Wildlife appealBirds, bees, and pollinators

Size
and facts

Height1.5 to 3 m (5 to 10 ft)

Spread2 to 3 m (6.5 to 10 ft)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Résistant aux cerfstrue

Pet friendlytrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Highbush Cranberry, Northern Blue Flag Iris, Spotted Joe-Pye Weed, Flat-Topped White Aster

Avoid planting with

Lavender, Cotton Lavender, Rockrose, Yucca

Recipe
and inspiration

The berries are not generally used in modern cooking but are an important food source for birds and other wildlife. The brightly colored stems are widely appreciated in winter floral arrangements and seasonal decorations. Red Osier Dogwood is grown primarily for its ecological importance, ornamental beauty, and outstanding value in biodiversity-focused landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Red Osier Dogwood seeds? +

Red Osier Dogwood seeds are usually sown in autumn or spring after scarification and cold stratification. These treatments greatly improve germination.

Why should I plant Red Osier Dogwood? +

This native shrub attracts pollinators, feeds birds with its berries, and provides brilliant red winter stems that add outstanding ornamental value.

Does Red Osier Dogwood tolerate wet soils? +

Yes. Red Osier Dogwood is exceptionally well adapted to cool, moist soils and performs beautifully in rain gardens, riparian buffers, and other periodically wet sites.

Is Red Osier Dogwood beneficial for wildlife? +

Yes. Its flowers attract pollinating insects, while its berries provide an important food source for birds and small mammals.

How do you care for Red Osier Dogwood? +

Rejuvenation pruning every few years encourages colorful new stems and maintains a vigorous, attractive shrub. Regular watering during establishment is usually all that is required.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.