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Little Wolf Farms
Red Osier Dogwood
Red Osier Dogwood
Regular price
$16.99 CAD
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Sale price
$16.99 CAD
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Red Osier Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus sericea, is a deciduous shrub native to North America, prized for its vibrant red stems and attractive foliage. This versatile plant is valued for its ornamental appeal, wildlife habitat provision, and erosion control capabilities, making it a popular choice for naturalistic landscapes, restoration projects, and garden borders.
Characteristics:
Red Osier Dogwood typically grows 6 to 9 feet tall, with a similar spread, forming dense clumps of upright stems. The stems are notable for their striking red color, particularly prominent during the winter months when the leaves have fallen. In spring, small clusters of white flowers appear, followed by white berries that persist into late summer, providing food for birds and other wildlife.
Growing Conditions:
Red Osier Dogwood thrives in a variety of soil types, including moist to wet soils, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, stream banks, and areas prone to flooding. While it prefers full sun to partial shade, it can tolerate shade, particularly in hotter climates. Regular watering is beneficial, especially during the establishment period, but once established, the plant exhibits good drought tolerance.
Landscaping Uses:
Red Osier Dogwood is valued for its ornamental appeal and is often used in naturalistic landscapes, woodland gardens, and native plantings. Its dense growth habit and spreading nature make it effective for erosion control along slopes and waterways. Additionally, it serves as a valuable wildlife habitat, providing cover and food for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Maintenance:
Red Osier Dogwood is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and promote vigorous growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring to remove older stems and encourage new growth with vibrant color. Additionally, regular mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Propagation:
Propagation of Red Osier Dogwood is typically done through stem cuttings taken from healthy, mature plants. Cuttings should be collected in late spring to early summer and planted in a moist, well-draining soil mixture. With proper care and adequate moisture, cuttings will root and establish within a few months, ready for transplanting into the landscape.
Disease and Pest Resistance:
Red Osier Dogwood is relatively resistant to diseases and pests, particularly when grown in favorable conditions. However, it may occasionally experience issues such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, or aphid infestations. Proper siting, good air circulation, and regular monitoring can help prevent and manage these issues effectively.
In conclusion, Red Osier Dogwood is a valuable native shrub appreciated for its striking red stems, ornamental foliage, and ecological benefits. Whether used for erosion control, wildlife habitat enhancement, or ornamental landscaping, this versatile plant adds beauty and functionality to a variety of outdoor spaces, enriching the landscape and supporting biodiversity.
Characteristics:
Red Osier Dogwood typically grows 6 to 9 feet tall, with a similar spread, forming dense clumps of upright stems. The stems are notable for their striking red color, particularly prominent during the winter months when the leaves have fallen. In spring, small clusters of white flowers appear, followed by white berries that persist into late summer, providing food for birds and other wildlife.
Growing Conditions:
Red Osier Dogwood thrives in a variety of soil types, including moist to wet soils, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, stream banks, and areas prone to flooding. While it prefers full sun to partial shade, it can tolerate shade, particularly in hotter climates. Regular watering is beneficial, especially during the establishment period, but once established, the plant exhibits good drought tolerance.
Landscaping Uses:
Red Osier Dogwood is valued for its ornamental appeal and is often used in naturalistic landscapes, woodland gardens, and native plantings. Its dense growth habit and spreading nature make it effective for erosion control along slopes and waterways. Additionally, it serves as a valuable wildlife habitat, providing cover and food for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Maintenance:
Red Osier Dogwood is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its shape and promote vigorous growth. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring to remove older stems and encourage new growth with vibrant color. Additionally, regular mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.
Propagation:
Propagation of Red Osier Dogwood is typically done through stem cuttings taken from healthy, mature plants. Cuttings should be collected in late spring to early summer and planted in a moist, well-draining soil mixture. With proper care and adequate moisture, cuttings will root and establish within a few months, ready for transplanting into the landscape.
Disease and Pest Resistance:
Red Osier Dogwood is relatively resistant to diseases and pests, particularly when grown in favorable conditions. However, it may occasionally experience issues such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, or aphid infestations. Proper siting, good air circulation, and regular monitoring can help prevent and manage these issues effectively.
In conclusion, Red Osier Dogwood is a valuable native shrub appreciated for its striking red stems, ornamental foliage, and ecological benefits. Whether used for erosion control, wildlife habitat enhancement, or ornamental landscaping, this versatile plant adds beauty and functionality to a variety of outdoor spaces, enriching the landscape and supporting biodiversity.