Red Osier Dogwood seeds are usually sown in autumn or spring after scarification and cold stratification. These treatments greatly improve germination.
Sale
Sold out
Native large shrub or small tree
Cornaceae
Native shrubs for shorelines and rain gardens
Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus alternifolia
Native shrub with tiered horizontal branches, creamy white flowers, and blue-black fruits valued by birds. Pagoda dogwood brings architectural structure, rich fall colour, and biodiversity to woodland gardens.
Quantity
Minimum 40 seeds
Exposure
Partial shade to full sun
Hardiness
Zones 3 to 8
Difficulty level
Low
Discover the plant
Family
Cornaceae
Genus
Cornus
Species
sericea
Cultivar
Type
Native large shrub or small tree
Cycle
Perennial
Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a native large shrub or small tree distinguished by horizontal branches arranged in graceful tiers, creating its characteristic pagoda-like silhouette. In spring, flattened clusters of small creamy white flowers appear above the green foliage. These are followed by blue-black fruits held on reddish stalks, producing an attractive display in late summer. The leaves turn shades of red, orange, and burgundy in fall. Hardy and naturally adapted to the forests of eastern Canada, this alternate-leaved dogwood provides ornamental interest from spring through winter, when its elegant branching structure remains clearly visible.
Pagoda dogwood prefers partial shade or filtered woodland light, although it tolerates full sun where the soil remains cool and evenly moist. It grows best in humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil that is moist but well drained. Organic mulch protects its relatively shallow roots from summer heat and drought. During the first several years, water regularly to maintain consistent moisture without saturating the soil. Pruning should remain light and limited to dead, damaged, crossing, or poorly positioned branches. In Quebec, a location sheltered from drying winds and intense afternoon sun encourages healthy foliage and helps preserve its naturally balanced, layered form.
Pagoda dogwood makes an exceptional specimen for woodland gardens, wildlife hedgerows, and ecological restoration projects. Its spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, while its blue-black fruits feed many bird species in late summer. Its tiered habit pairs naturally with downy serviceberry, witherod viburnum, bloodroot, and ostrich fern. Positioned beside a path or along a woodland edge, it adds structure, seasonal colour, and ecological value without appearing formal or artificial. Cornus alternifolia is especially useful for creating layered native plantings inspired by the forests of Quebec and eastern Canada.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
Less than 5 mm
Spacing / density
2 to 3 m (6.5 to 10 ft)
Establishment temperature
20 to 22°C
Establishment time
Slow germination after pretreatment; often 60 to 120 days and sometimes longer
Best planting time
Spring or autumn
Propagation
Seed after moist cold stratification or semi-hardwood cuttings
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
The right conditions.
Exposure
Partial shade to full sun
Soil pH
Acidic to neutral
Hardiness zone
Zones 3 to 8
Minimum temperature
Approximately -40°C
Watering
Regular; maintain even soil moisture
Soil type
Humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Mature compost in spring
Seasonal care
In spring, remove only dead, broken, or crossing branches to preserve the naturally horizontal silhouette. Avoid severe pruning, which can disrupt the tiered habit and encourage poorly positioned shoots. Renew organic mulch over the root zone without piling it against the trunk. Water deeply during dry periods, especially around young plants and in sunnier locations. During summer, watch for yellowing or scorched leaves, which may indicate moisture stress or excessive heat. In fall, leave the fruits available for birds and retain some fallen leaves as a natural mulch that gradually returns organic matter to the soil.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
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 and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Creamy white
Foliage color
Green; red, orange, or burgundy in fall
Foliage type
Deciduous
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom period
May to June
Fruiting
Blue-black fruits on reddish stalks in late summer
Maximum height
6 m
Maximum width
4 m
Harvest
August to September
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Downy serviceberry, witherod viburnum, bloodroot, ostrich fern
Avoid planting with
Lavender, cotton lavender, rockrose, yucca, and dry-soil plants
Specimen, woodland garden, wildlife hedge, restoration
From the garden to inspiration.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
This native shrub attracts pollinators, feeds birds with its berries, and provides brilliant red winter stems that add outstanding ornamental value.
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.
Yes. Its flowers attract pollinating insects, while its berries provide an important food source for birds and small mammals.
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.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
Plants that attract butterflies
Butterflies
