Though beautiful throughout the seasons (pretty leaves, flowers, berries), red-twig dogwood saves the best for winter, when its stems shoot up like fiery flares into the drab and snowy skies. Do as designer Janet Bligh did here and site them when you can really admire their blistering hue against winter’s bluster. You’ll be in for one unforgettable sight. Very easy to grow, but a few tricks can help you to get the best from them.
(Above) Red-twig dogwood is a tall shrub native to North America where it grows in wet marshy areas such as the banks of lakes and streams. Look at the bonfire of color it brings when planted with golden sedge .
3 TIPS FOR GROWING
1. Light: They can tolerate some shade but for the most brilliant red (or yellow depending on the variety) color plant in full sun.
2. Growth: This plant spreads by producing suckers. (Suckers are vigorous vertical growth coming from the roots or lower main stem of a plant.) If you want an expanse of red-twig dogwood go ahead and leave it alone, but if you need to manage the plant remove suckers ASAP. Remove suckers by clipping off the entire stem at the base of the plant with clean, sharp pruners.
3. Pruning: Because the youngest stems have the brightest color, you’ve got to regularly prune away the old ones that have faded in order to have that stunning effect. Pruning should be done when the plants are dormant in February and March. Either remove about 1/3 of the oldest stems each year, or as an alternative to annual pruning, prune all stems close to the ground in early spring every 2-3 years to renew. In spring new stems will emerge and will and reveal their bright color in the fall.
Follow these three tips and you’ll have that #gardenenvy red-twig look in winter.
FOUR RED-TWIG DOGWOODS YOU WILL LOVE!
Variegated Red Twig Dogwood
Vigorous and adaptable, naturally forms a thicket of upright, blood red stems clothed by variegated leaves. Up to 8′ tall, 6′ wide. Partial to full sun. Zone: 2 – 8
Red Twig Dogwood
Among the largest of the red-twig dogwoods. Current year’s growth features outstanding coral-red branches on a multi-stemmed shrub. Up to 9′ tall and 5′ wide. Partial to full sun. Zone: 2 – 8
Yellow Twig Dogwood
A yellow-twig dogwood is just a different cultivar of a red-twig dogwood! If you really want a traffic-stopping show, plant red and yellow ones together. Up to 8′ tall, 9′ wide. Partial to full sun. Zone: 2 – 8
Arctic Fire™ Red Twig Dogwood
Unlike most Cornus that reach 8 to 10 feet tall, this one grows to only half the height (but still manages to put on a remarkable show). Up to 4′ tall and wide. Partial to full sun. Zone: 3 – 7
If you have questions about growing red-twig dogwood, please do leave a comment below. We’re here to help!
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I purchased a (not variegated) red twig dogwood and planted about two months ago. It is growing well and is currently about 2 1/2 feet high. My question is that the stems are not red, but green. Will the stems turn red as the plant matures?
jmdk@nc.rr.com. Will these variegated dogwoods survive in a coastal setting in Wilmington, NC?
when is the best time to plant Artic Fire Dogwood and does it need to have the soil amended
Does the smaller Artic Fire Red Twig Dogwood do well in wet areas like the taller Red Twig Dogwood? My soil has a lot of clay which causes soggy conditions along my property line but I really want something to grow along it.
Thank You
jim m
We purchased the Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood. Is there a particular yellow twig dogwood that would compliment our Arctic Fire Red Twig?
Was looking for winter holly and other colourful winter plants for southern Ontario.
Can this be grown in a pot?
Hi Doris,
Red Twig Dogwood is excellent in pots, especially in the winter when its red twigs are so vibrant. Use this plant as the centerpiece of a winter design with other winter interest plants.