Dogwood, Red Twig, Baileyi

Cornus sericea 'Baileyi'

Height: 6-10ft
Spread: 6-10ft
Zone: 3-8
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Growth Rate: Fast
Bloom Time/Color: May-June; white
Uses: Hedge, screen, massing, specimen, borders
Maintenance: Medium
Other: Fall color, fragrant, winter interest, deer resistant

Red twig dogwoods have long been planted for their uniquely colored stems and multi-season interest. Spring brings white, fragrant flowers in flat cymes which mature into bluish-white fruits in summer. Leaves are typically medium to dark green throughout the growing season before changing to shades of orange, red, and purple in autumn. The main attraction are the bright red stems once leaves have dropped. They truly stand out against the snowy landscape of winter. Red twig dogwoods prefer consistently moist soils in full sun to part shade and can tolerate wet or boggy soils, clay, and occasional drought. A thick layer of mulch is beneficial. 'Baileyi' was selected for its habit of not spreading like other members of the species.

Cornus sericea is an Iowa native.