Red Twig Dogwood

About this plant

The Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Baileyi') is a standout deciduous shrub, celebrated for its intense crimson stems that provide dramatic visual interest throughout the dormant season. Its broad, serrated green leaves offer a pleasant backdrop in spring and summer, followed by clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that attract pollinators. Following the blooms, tiny white berries develop, adding further ornamental appeal and serving as a food source for local birds. This resilient and adaptable shrub is an excellent choice for adding year-round structure and vibrant color to any garden, especially in mass plantings or along borders. Its striking winter display makes it a favorite for brightening up cold landscapes, and it can be effectively used in naturalized settings, rain gardens, or as a contrasting element in mixed shrub beds.

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 grown in average to wet soils. Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage new stem growth, which exhibits the best red color. Can be cut back severely to near ground level every 2-3 years for optimal stem vibrancy.

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.