Gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa) is a tough native shrub you can use for naturalized edges, thickets, and mixed borders where you want reliable seasonal interest and wildlife value. In late spring, it produces clusters of small white flowers, followed by small pale berries that stand out against the distinctly red fruiting stems. As the season cools, the foliage can shift to dusky purplish-red tones before dropping for winter.

You will get the best overall performance by giving it sun to partial shade, but it can also handle deeper shade in many landscapes. Plant it where you have room to spread, because it can form a broad, multi-stemmed shrub over time. Mature size is typically in the 6-8 ft range (72-96 in.) with a wide footprint, and it may gradually expand as stems arise from the base.

Cornus racemosa is easy to grow in average, well-drained soil and adapts to a wide range of site conditions, including spots that are periodically moist as well as areas that dry somewhat between rains. Water regularly during establishment, then let rainfall do most of the work, stepping in during prolonged drought. A 2-3 inch mulch layer helps keep roots cool and reduces watering needs; keep mulch a few inches back from the stems.

For upkeep, you can lightly thin older stems at the base to refresh growth and maintain a tidy outline. Leave some fruiting stems through fall for the best show and bird activity. Use it as a screen, along a pond edge, or in a native planting where its flowers, fruit, and fall color can do the heavy lifting for multi-season appeal.

Specifications

• Cold hardiness zone: 4-8 (-30 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• Light: Full sun   Part sun   Shade
• Mature height: 72-96"
• Spread: 120-144"
• Attracts: Birds
• Native to the U.S.: Yes

Shipping

FREE SHIPPING - Classy Groundcovers offers free shipping, and your plants never spend more than three days in transit.

Precise delivery - another benefit from shopping with us is that you know hpw to control exactly when your order will be shipped.

Shipping information that applies to all plants:
- When We Ship
- You May Specify Your Shipping Date
- Lookup Shipping Date and Tracking Information
- Special Delivery Instructions
- Changing Your Shipping Date
- Accepting Delivery
- Unpacking Your Order
- Returns

Care