Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea or Cornus stolonifera)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Redosier Dogwood
Cornus sericea or Cornus stolonifera

Redosier Dogwood leaves
Redosier Dogwood leaves
 
Features
Creamy white flowers in flat topped clusters in late spring; white to bluish-white fruit in late summer and early autumn; autumn color is purple to red; winter stems are red. 
 
Culture
Full sun; prefers a moist soil, but tolerates both wet and dry sites; tolerates alkaline soil. 
 
Cultivars
  • 'Cardinal' - Winter stems bright coral red.
  • 'Flaviramea' - Winter stems are yellow.
  • 'Isanti' - 5-6 feet tall; bright red winter stems.
  • 'Kelseyi' - 2-3 feet tall, winter stems less colorful than the species.
  • 'Silver and Gold' - Winter stems are yellow, leaves are green with a creamy edge.
 
 
Mature Height
7-10 Feet
 
Size
Medium
 
 
Mature Width
8-10 Feet (or wider, due to suckering)
 
Mature Form
Rounded to broad-spreading 
 
Native To:
United States (and Illinois) 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
2 - 7 
 
Soil Conditions
Dry
Moist, Well-Drained
Wet
 
 
Tolerance
Alkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Soil Compaction
Wet Sites
Wind
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Uses
Border
Massing
Naturalizing
Screen
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
Variegated
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Purple
Red
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease

Insect Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

Stem canker is common but can be controlled with annual pruning. Yearly removal of some of the old stems at ground level will reduce the incidence of canker disease and will promote growth of new young stems which will have better winter color.
 
Additional Notes

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic