Cornus sericea Cardinal

Cardinal Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’

Overview
A vivid selection of red twig dogwood prized for its intense bright red winter stems that provide outstanding seasonal color. Creamy-white flower clusters appear in late spring, followed by white berries that contrast with the foliage. Summer leaves are medium green, turning reddish to purple tones in fall. ‘Cardinal’ is valued for strong stem color, durability, and dependable landscape performance.

Size



Width: 6–10 ft



Height: 6–10 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 2a–7b



Light



Full sun to partial shade



Best stem color develops in full sun



Soil



Well-drained to wet soils; highly adaptable



Tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils



Slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred



Attracts



Pollinators (flowers)



Birds (berries)



Wildlife (cover and food source)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cold to moderate climates



Tolerates wet soils, seasonal flooding, and urban conditions



Excellent for rain gardens, naturalized areas, and mass plantings



Notes



Shape: Upright, multi-stemmed shrub forming colonies



Noted for especially bright winter stem color



Winter color strongest on young growth; prune older stems periodically



Excellent for winter-interest plantings and erosion control



Spreads by suckers to form thickets

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

10'

Width

10'

Hardiness zones

2–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Purple

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Clay, Loamy well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Clump, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No