5 Red Osier Dogwood Plants (Cornus sericea) Bareroot, 10″ Tall, Outdoor Shrub

Overview

Transform your garden with our 5 red osier dogwood plants, offered as robust bareroot specimens. Scientifically known as Cornus sericea, this deciduous shrub is celebrated for its distinctive bright red stems, which provide a stunning visual display, particularly during the colder months when other plants are dormant. These cornus sericea bareroot plants are an excellent choice for adding year-round interest to your landscape, whether you’re creating a naturalized area, a vibrant border, or a privacy screen. Easy to establish and maintain, these dogwood shrubs are a favorite among gardeners seeking both beauty and functionality. Each plant is approximately 10 inches in height, ready to be planted and thrive in your outdoor space.

The red osier dogwood plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer ecological benefits, providing dense cover and food for various wildlife species. Their adaptability to different soil conditions and fast growth rate make them a rewarding addition to almost any garden setting. With their striking red stems, delicate white flowers in spring, and berries that attract birds, these shrubs are a dynamic and valuable component of a biodiverse landscape.

Key Benefits

Choosing red osier dogwood plants for your garden brings a multitude of advantages, enhancing both the beauty and ecological value of your outdoor space. These shrubs are renowned for their ornamental qualities and their contribution to local ecosystems.

• Vibrant Winter Color: The most striking feature of the red twig dogwood shrub is its brilliant red stems, which intensify in color during the winter, providing a spectacular contrast against snow or drab winter landscapes. This ensures your garden remains visually appealing even in the off-season.
• Fast Growth Rate: These plants exhibit a fast growth rate, increasing in height by approximately 24 inches per year. This allows for quick establishment and development of a mature planting, providing a significant impact on your landscape in a relatively short period.
• Wildlife Attraction: The berries produced by the red osier dogwood plants are a significant food source for at least 18 species of birds, making them an excellent choice for gardeners interested in attracting and supporting local wildlife. They also offer dense cover for various creatures.
• Adaptable & Hardy: Highly adaptable to a variety of soil conditions, these shrubs thrive in a wide range of environments. They are hardy in USDA Zones 2-7, making them suitable for many climates across the United States.
• Easy to Transplant: Cornus sericea bareroot plants are known for being easily transplanted, which simplifies the planting process and increases their chances of successful establishment in your garden.
• Ornamental Flowers & Berries: Beyond their stems, these dogwoods produce small, white flowers in spring, followed by white berries in summer, adding further ornamental value and seasonal interest to your landscape.
• Erosion Control: Due to their vigorous growth and extensive root systems, red osier dogwood plants can be effective in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, particularly in moist areas.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your red osier dogwood plants is relatively straightforward, thanks to their robust nature and adaptability. These bareroot shrubs are resilient and can thrive with minimal intervention if their basic needs are met. For optimal growth and the most vibrant stem color, understanding their preferred conditions is key. They perform best in full sun to partial shade, meaning they appreciate at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to encourage the brightest red stems. While they are adaptable to various soil types, they prefer moist, well-draining soil. Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during their establishment phase after planting.

When planting your cornus sericea bareroot plants, ensure the roots are spread out in a hole large enough to accommodate them without crowding. Backfill with soil, gently tamping down to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Regular watering is essential during the first year to help the plants establish a strong root system. Once established, they are quite drought-tolerant but will benefit from supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. Pruning is vital for maintaining the vibrant red stem color; it’s recommended to prune about one-third of the oldest stems back to the ground in late winter or early spring. This encourages new growth, which produces the most intense red hues. Fertilization is generally not necessary in rich soils, but a balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring if your soil is poor. Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases, though red osier dogwood plants are generally resistant. Proper care will ensure a healthy and aesthetically pleasing red twig dogwood shrub for years to come.

Size & Details

This offering includes 5 red osier dogwood plants, supplied as bareroot specimens, each measuring approximately 10 inches in height upon arrival. These young plants are ready for immediate planting and will quickly establish themselves in your garden. At maturity, the red osier dogwood plants typically reach a size of 7-9 feet in height with a spread of up to 10 feet, creating a substantial and impactful presence in the landscape. They boast a fast growth rate, increasing their height by an average of 24 inches per year, allowing them to fill out your garden space efficiently. The bareroot form ensures easy handling and planting, allowing the roots to quickly adapt to their new environment. These are outdoor shrubs, ideal for a variety of garden applications, from mass plantings to specimen features. Expect to see the characteristic red stems develop as the plants mature, with the most vibrant color appearing on new growth after proper pruning. These fast growing dogwood shrubs will provide years of enjoyment and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big do these red osier dogwood plants get at maturity? A: These red osier dogwood plants typically grow to a height of 7-9 feet and can spread up to 10 feet wide at maturity, forming a substantial and attractive shrub. Their size makes them suitable for various landscape uses.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? How much sunlight does it need? A: The red osier dogwood plants are outdoor shrubs. They thrive best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the most vibrant red stem coloration.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? Is it good for beginners? A: Yes, cornus sericea bareroot plants are considered easy to care for and are an excellent choice for beginners. They are very adaptable to different soil types and relatively low-maintenance once established.
• Q: What condition will the plants arrive in? Are they shipped in soil? A: These are red osier dogwood plants shipped as bareroot specimens. This means they will arrive without soil, with their roots carefully packaged to maintain moisture during transit, ready for planting.
• Q: What is the best time to plant these red osier dogwood plants? A: The best time to plant cornus sericea bareroot plants is in late fall after dormancy or in early spring before new growth begins. This allows the roots to establish before the stress of summer heat.
• Q: Will these red osier dogwood plants survive winter in my zone? A: Yes, these red osier dogwood plants are very hardy and are suitable for USDA Zones 2-7, meaning they are well-equipped to survive cold winters in a wide range of climates.
• Q: How can I ensure the red stems are vibrant on my red twig dogwood shrub? A: To encourage the most vibrant red stems, it is recommended to prune about one-third of the oldest stems back to the ground in late winter or early spring. This promotes new growth, which displays the most intense red coloration on your red twig dogwood shrub.
• Q: What kind of soil do these fast growing dogwood plants prefer? A: The fast growing dogwood is very adaptable to various soil types, but it prefers moist, well-draining soil. It can tolerate wetter conditions better than many other shrubs.
• Q: Do these red osier dogwood plants attract wildlife? A: Absolutely! These plants are excellent for attracting wildlife. The berries are a food source for many bird species, and the dense foliage provides cover for various animals, making them a great choice for a wildlife-friendly garden.
• Q: Are planting instructions included with the purchase? A: Yes, detailed planting instructions are included with your purchase to help you successfully establish your cornus sericea bareroot plants.