Maintenance Landscaping Design

Cornus sericea kelseyi is a shrub that can reach up to 2 meters in height. It is a member of the family Cornaceae, and is native to North America. The bark is red-brown, and the leaves are oblong and serrated. The flowers are white, and the fruits are red.

Also known as

• Red osier dogwood
  
• Red-twig dogwood
  
• American dogwood
  
• Mountain dogwood
  
• Western dogwood

Good to Know

• Kelsey's Dogwood (Cornus sericea kelseyi) is a deciduous shrub native to North America.
  
• It gets its common name from its resemblance to the bark of the American Dogwood (Cornus florida).
  
• Kelsey's Dogwood grows to a height of 6-8 feet and has a spread of 4-6 feet.
  
• The shrub has dark green, ovate leaves which turn red in the fall.
  
• The plant blooms in June with small, white flowers which are followed by white berries in the fall.
  
• Kelsey's Dogwood is tolerant of a variety of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade.
  
• It is generally low maintenance and is resistant to pests and disease.
  
• The shrub can be used in a variety of landscaping applications including hedges, screens, and foundation plantings.
  
• Kelsey's Dogwood is also a popular choice for wildlife gardens as it provides food and shelter for birds and small mammals.
  
• The plant is named for William Kelsey, a 19th century American nurseryman.

Related plant:
Cornus Sericea Flaviramea

Growing Steps

1. For cornus sericea kelseyi, first step is to find a sunny location.
   
2. Then, prepare the soil by tilling or digging to a depth of at least 10 inches.
   
3. Next, mix in some organic matter such as compost or manure.
   
4. Once the area is prepared, you can sow the seeds or plant the seedlings.
   
5. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
   
6. Fertilize the plants every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
   
7. Prune the plants as needed to keep them healthy and promote new growth.
   
8. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them accordingly.
   
9. Harvest the plants when they are mature and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
   
10. Remember to leave some of the fruits or seeds behind so that the cycle can continue next year.

Related plant:
Cornus Ivory Halo

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Cornus sericea kelseyi prefers well-drained, moist to wet soils, with a neutral to slightly acid pH. It also does well in a variety of light conditions, including full sun to partial shade.

Light condition

Just like other cornus sericea, kelseyi also need full sun to partial sun to maintain its beautiful flowering. If the plant does not get enough sun, then it will not produce as many flowers. Even though it is tolerant to a wide range of soil types, it still need well-drained soil to prevent the plant from getting too much moisture which can lead to root rot.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of Cornus sericea kelseyi is cool to cold. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to wet conditions. It is not drought tolerant.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. It can tolerate some degree of drought, but will not thrive if the air is constantly dry. It is best to keep this plant away from drafts, whether from doors, windows, or heating vents.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a well-balanced fertilizer that is applied monthly during the growing season. For the roots, it is important to keep the roots moist but not soggy. If the roots become too dry, the plant will start to wilt.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your cornus sericea kelseyi is important to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased stems, as well as any stems that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Cut back the remaining stems by one-third to one-half their original length.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Cornus Sericea Kelseyi can be done either by division or by seed. When dividing, it is important to do so in the spring when the plant is actively growing. This will help ensure that the plant will have a good root system. To propagate by seed, it is best to start the seeds indoors in the winter and then transplant them outdoors in the spring.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate studies show an average growth of between 1 and 2 inches per year. However, some plants have been known to grow up to 4 inches in a year. The average growth rate is probably around 1.5 inches per year.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests and diseases. pests can include aphids, scale, and borers, while diseases can include leaf spots and powdery mildew. Both of these problems can be controlled with the proper use of pesticides and fungicides.

Tips on Growing

• If you are growing cornus sericea kelseyi from seed, start them indoors in late winter or early spring.
  
• Sow the seeds on the surface of a seed-starting mix and keep them moist.
  
• Once the seedlings emerge, thin them so that only the strongest plants remain.
  
• transplant the seedlings into individual pots once they have several sets of true leaves.
  
• Grow cornus sericea kelseyi in a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
  
• Plant the cornus sericea kelseyi in well-drained soil.
  
• Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  
• Fertilize the plant monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• prune cornus sericea kelseyi as needed to shape it and control its size.
  
• Protect the

Similar Plants

• pygmea (cornus sericea kelseyi 'pygmea')
  
• minima (cornus sericea 'minima')
  
• nuttallii (cornus nuttallii)
  
• florida (cornus florida)
  
• alba (cornus sanguinea)
  
• stolonifera (cornus stolonifera)
  
• controversa (cornus controversa)
  
• kousa (cornus kousa)
  
• mas (cornus mas)
  
• catesbyana (cornus florida 'catesbyana')

Source:
Cornus sericea - UDBG
Red-osier dogwood - The North Creek Wetland - UW Bothell
Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi' habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois ...