Red stem dogwood is a beautiful, understory shrub that is native to the eastern United States. This deciduous shrub is known for its showy red stems that contrast sharply with the green of its leaves in the summer. The red stems dogwood is also a popular plant for use in winter landscape plantings because of its attractive red stems.
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Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge
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Hydrangea In A Pot
About soil condition, the red stem dogwood prefer a well drained soil, either sandy or loamy. It can also tolerate some clay in the mix. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Not too different with other plants, the red stem dogwood needs sunlight to grow. However, this plant can also tolerate partial shade. So, if you're looking to add a red stem dogwood to your garden, know that it will still do well even if it doesn't get full sun all day.
The temperature conditions required for red stem dogwood to thrive are not overly specific. The plant can tolerate a range of both cold and hot temperatures, as long as it is not exposed to extreme conditions for extended periods of time. For example, red stem dogwood can survive temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit if it is only exposed to that temperature for a short period of time. Similarly, it can tolerate temperatures as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit for brief periods of time. However, if either of these extreme temperatures is sustained for too long, the plant will likely die. For this reason, it is important to provide red stem dogwood with moderate temperatures and to protect it from prolonged exposure to both very cold and very hot conditions.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60% during the daytime and slightly lower at night. The plant can tolerate lower humidity for short periods of time, but long-term exposure to dry air will cause the leaves to turn brown and drop off.
Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant food that we use the most is a complete fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. When using inorganic fertilizer, it is best to start with a lower than recommended concentration and increase it as the season progresses. It is also a good idea to use a fertilizer designed for trees and shrubs. It is important to fertilizer early in the growing season for best results.
Pruning is an important step in maintaining the health and appearance of your red stem dogwood. Pruning helps to remove dead or diseased branches, as well as encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to make clean, sharp cuts at a 45-degree angle.
Propagation of red stem dogwood is typically done through softwood cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and should be taken from healthy, non-flowering wood. Cuttings should be placed in a moist, well-drained rooting mix and kept in a humid environment until they have rooted. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 13 and 24 inches per year. This shrub can grow in a wide range of soil types, but prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Full sun is best for the brightest red color in the stems, but some afternoon shade is tolerated. Red stem dogwoods are very adaptable to different sites and conditions.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, and canker. Some of these problems can be avoided by choosing a resistant variety, planting in full sun, and proper spacing. When rust or leaf spot is present, prune out the affected branches and dispose of them. If powdery mildew is present, treat the plant with a fungicide. If canker is present, prune out the affected branches and dispose of them.
Source:
Red Osier Dogwood | Natural Resource Stewardship
Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) - Carleton College
Native Plant of the Week: Red Osier Dogwood
