Bring strong winter color to your landscape with Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' (Red Twig Dogwood 'Cardinal'). This native redosier dogwood forms a vigorous, multi-stemmed shrub prized for its coral to cherry-red stems that glow against snow and evergreen backdrops.
In late spring, you will see flattened clusters of small white flowers. As the season progresses, white fruit follows and is often visited by birds. The foliage turns reddish tones in fall, adding another season of interest before the stems take over again for winter display.
At maturity, plan on a large shrub about 6 to 8 feet tall, with a broad, suckering habit that can reach roughly 9 to 10 feet wide. It is an excellent choice for naturalized areas, rain gardens, riparian edges, and other sites where the soil stays consistently moist. It also tolerates periodic flooding and a wide range of soils, including heavier clays.
For the brightest stem color, you can prune in late winter or early spring. Remove some of the oldest stems at the base or cut the plant back hard to encourage fresh new shoots, since young growth usually shows the most vivid red. Grow it in full sun to part shade; full sun generally brings the best color, while part shade can help in hot summer climates.
With its fast growth and adaptable nature, this dogwood can quickly fill space, create a screen, or stabilize a wet area. Provide regular moisture during establishment, then keep the root zone mulched to help retain soil moisture and protect shallow roots.