Red Osier Dogwood

Red-hart dogwood (Cornus sericea), proposed by Akène

?? A native shrub with bright red stems and multiple ecological roles ??

Red-hearted dogwood is a large native perennial shrub that can grow up to 2 metres tall . It is prized for its deep red bark that becomes particularly vibrant after the first frosts, providing visual interest even in winter. In June , it produces clusters of fragrant cream flowers , which attract many pollinators , followed by small white fruits that are eaten by many species of birds .

?? Highly adaptable , it prefers rich, moist soils , but tolerates a variety of conditions. Its dense root system makes it an ideal plant for stabilizing banks and slopes , while promoting local biodiversity .

Characteristics of the variety

?? Flowering : June
?? Height : 200 cm
?? Spacing : 150 cm
?? Exposure : Sun, partial shade
?? Life cycle : Perennial
?? Soil type : Loamy to clayey, well drained
?? Soil moisture content : Medium to moist
?? Deer Resistance : Moderate
?? Seeds per packet : 40

Sowing and cultivation

?? Sowing depth : 10 mm
?? Germination time : 25 days
?? Cold stratification : 90 days
? Scarification : Sanding of the seeds followed by a 24-hour soaking

?? Indoor method (recommended for efficient germination) :
1?? Lightly sand the seeds to weaken their protective coating.
2?? Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours .
3?? Place the seeds in a moist substrate ( sand, perlite or vermiculite ) and refrigerate them for 90 days .
4?? After stratification, sow the seeds 10 mm deep in well-drained potting soil.
5?? Maintain constant humidity until germination (about 25 days ).

?? Outdoor method :
?? Sow directly in the fall to allow natural stratification during the winter.
?? Make sure the soil is well drained but remains moist .

?? Once well established, red hart dogwood grows quickly and becomes an excellent ground cover to prevent erosion.

Medicinal and culinary uses

?? Medicinal properties
The bark and roots of the red-eared dogwood are traditionally used for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties .

Ecological roles and utilities

?? A pollinator magnet : Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects .
?? A food source for wildlife : Its small white fruits are very popular with birds at the end of the season .
??? A natural soil stabilizer : Its dense root system limits erosion of banks and slopes .
?? A four-season ornamental shrub : Its bright red bark in winter adds color to landscapes.

Companion plants

?? Speckled alder, goldenrod, blue flag, sand rye

Enemy plants

?? None known

Why grow red-hart dogwood?

?? A decorative and ecological native shrub
?? A refuge and food source for pollinators and birds
??? Ideal for bank stabilization and erosion prevention
?? Colorful foliage and bright red bark in winter

?? Add the Hart-Rouge dogwood to your landscaping to beautify your garden and support local biodiversity!