Dogwood Shrub

The yellows, reds and oranges are striking in a snow-covered yard or reflecting off a pond. The multitude of spring flowers and clusters of summer fruit these plants provide only add more to this ornamental plants appeal.

The fruit of many varieties are edible, further attracting the migratory birds and animals to the landscape.

Growing Dogwood Shrub

Most dogwoods prefer full sun to partial shade. They prefer moist, rich soil with good drainage, with some varieties tolerant of wet, almost bog-like conditions.

Add a layer of mulch to keep the roots shaded and cool to provide the best growing medium for dogwoods.

The bushes are best used in borders and as screens, where there winter display of color can best be appreciated.

Varieties

The Red Osier dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Farrow') is one of the most commonly used landscaping plant.

It tolerates a range of temperatures from northernmost Alaska through northern Mexico. It tolerates full sun to part shade and wet soils.

It has bright red or purple stems and twigs year-round, adding color to even the whitest winter garden.

In spring, creamy white flowers appear, followed by white fruits in summer and maroon leaves in fall.

Once established, it is drought tolerant. Especially effective at stabilizing soil, the red osier variety is often planted on slopes.

With the early flowers, fruits, fall leaves and winter color, this variety is a year-round ornamental. Other red varieties include Cardinal dogwood and Arctic Fire, a smaller variety.

The Yellow Twig dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea') features bright yellow twigs in winter. It is especially attractive when planted with Red Osier dogwood for contrasting fall colors.

It has dark green leaves that turn purple and green twigs that turn bright yellow in fall. Prune this variety with care, removing branches at ground level to prevent tips dying back.

Midwinter Fire dogwood (Cornus sanguine) has stems that seem ablaze in color in the winter landscape. The base of the stems is yellow, turning into a pale, salmon orange and ending with bright orange-red tips.

Midwinter Fire creates a unique image as a focal plant. Placed in front of evergreen or hollies, the contrast is striking.

Dogwood shrubs are definitely plants for every season. As landscape borders or screens, they provide a continuous display of yellows, oranges and reds to brighten a snowy winter and reflect in a still pond.