January Plant of the Month: Red Osier Dogwood

Photo:

Public Domain from Wikimedia Commons

This hardy, ornamental shrub is my plant choice for January as it can be depended upon to deliver vibrant red colour to the winter landscape. At about 5-6’ tall and wide, this particular dogwood (also known as Red-twig) features a number of notable attributes including stunning fall leaf colour, attractive berries for the birds, vibrant red stems, and (depending on the sub-variety), handsome variegated summer foliage.

While many dogwoods are rather slow-growing shrubs, Red Osier dogwoods are among the faster-growing varieties. You can expect the plants to add about 1-2’ of growth each year. They can be trimmed back all the way to the ground every few years, which will both rejuvenate the plant and control its growth. It will return within a year with young red stems.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Cornus sericea

En français: cornouiller osier rouge

Colour:

Sun / Shade:

Water: Drought tolerant

Height:

Up to 8 feet (about 2.5 meters)

Width:

Up to 10 feet (300cms)

Hardiness Zones:

These dogwood shrubs should be planted where they can be easily viewed, especially if grown for their prized red bark colour. Red Osier dogwoods will tolerate partial shade, but their signature red bark will be optimal if they are planted in full sun.

Cottage garden, Ottawa, Shrubs, wildflower garden

About the Author

Patricia Mosher

Patricia has 30+ years of gardening experience to help with design, planting and maintenance. She is a long-time resident of the Alta Vista area of Ottawa and has expanded her consulting practice. If you’d like to share your thoughts about this article or reach out for design and planting advice for your garden, please contact Patricia by email: OttawaPlantByNumbers@gmail.com or on Instagram: @ottawaplantbynumbers.