Limited Quantities - Reserve Now For Fall
Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood Shrub
Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood Shrub
Couldn't load pickup availability
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood
The Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood is a standout deciduous shrub prized for its vivid red stems that ignite the winter landscape. Native to North America, this cultivar was selected for its especially vibrant twig color and upright habit. In spring and summer, it sports lush green foliage and creamy white flower clusters, followed by white berries beloved by birds.
Perfect for hedges, erosion control, and visual interest in all four seasons, this dogwood delivers striking structure and native appeal.
Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood Overview
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
🌿 Botanical Name |
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' |
|
🏷️ Common Names |
Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood, Red Osier Dogwood |
|
🌳 Mature Height |
6–9 feet |
|
🌐 Mature Width |
6–9 feet |
|
📈 Growth Rate |
Fast (24"+ per year) |
|
⏳ Lifespan |
20–40 years |
|
🧊 USDA Zones |
3–7 |
|
❄️ Chill Hours |
800–1,200 hours |
|
☀️ Sun Preference |
Full sun to partial shade |
|
🧱 Soil Type |
Moist, well-drained to wet soils; tolerates clay |
|
⚖️ Soil pH |
Adaptable; prefers slightly acidic (5.5–6.5) |
|
💧 Water Needs |
Moderate to high; tolerates soggy areas |
|
🌸 Flower Color |
Flat white clusters in late spring to early summer |
|
🍒 Fruit Type |
White to bluish drupes; bird-attracting |
|
🐝 Pollinators |
Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects |
|
🌿 Growth Habit |
Upright, multi-stemmed, suckering form |
|
↔️ Spacing |
5–8 ft apart for hedging or mass plantings |
|
🏡 Landscape Uses |
Winter accents, wetland edges, erosion control, borders |
|
🧹 Maintenance Level |
Moderate (annual pruning for best color) |
Environmental Benefits
🌸 Supports native pollinators with early-season blooms
🕊️ Provides food and cover for birds and small wildlife
🌧️ Excellent for riparian areas, rain gardens, and erosion control
🌿 Encourages biodiversity in naturalized plantings
Pros & Cons
|
✅ Pros |
⚠️ Cons |
|
🔴 Stunning red winter twigs add off-season beauty |
✂️ Needs yearly pruning to maintain vivid color |
|
🌿 Tolerates wet, heavy soils and erosion-prone spots |
🌱 Suckers aggressively if not maintained |
|
🐝 Attracts a wide range of beneficial pollinators |
💧 Requires regular watering in dry spells |
|
🧬 Native cultivar with ecological and ornamental value |
🌳 May spread beyond intended space in ideal conditions |
|
🏡 Provides 4-season interest and habitat support |
🍒 Fruit not edible for humans |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply before planting and immediately after to help roots settle
🕳️ Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the root ball; plant level with soil surface
🌾 Apply 2–3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
💦 Water consistently the first 1–2 years; increase during droughts
✂️ Prune 20–30% of oldest stems annually in late winter to promote red growth
🧪 Use compost in spring or a balanced shrub fertilizer if needed
The Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood is a vibrant native shrub that adds serious curb appeal—especially in the winter months. Whether used to brighten snowy landscapes, support wildlife, or stabilize soil in wet areas, it’s a bold and functional choice for any yard.
Share
