Red Twig Dogwood

About this plant

Ignite your landscape with the fiery beauty of the Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea), a standout deciduous shrub offering year-round appeal. Its most captivating feature emerges after leaf drop, when brilliant scarlet stems create a stunning focal point against a snowy backdrop or the muted tones of a winter garden. Beyond its dramatic winter display, this adaptable plant boasts attractive green foliage throughout spring and summer, often accompanied by clusters of small white flowers that give way to white berries, a favorite food source for birds. As autumn approaches, the leaves transform into rich purples and reds, adding another layer of seasonal color. Ideal for mass plantings, riparian zones, or as a striking specimen, the Red Twig Dogwood thrives in a variety of conditions and is relatively low-maintenance. Regular pruning encourages the brightest stem color, ensuring a spectacular show season after season.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily maintained. Prune radically in late winter or early spring every 2-3 years, cutting stems back to 6-12 inches from the ground, to encourage the brightest new stem growth. Can also be pruned annually by removing 1/3 of the oldest stems.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.