Cornus sericea Isanti

Isanti Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus sericea ‘Isanti’

Overview
A compact selection of red twig dogwood valued for its bright red winter stems, dense branching, and smaller mature size. Creamy-white flower clusters appear in late spring, followed by white berries that contrast against the foliage. Summer leaves are medium green, turning reddish to purple in fall. ‘Isanti’ is prized for its tidy habit and suitability for smaller landscapes.

Size



Width: 4–6 ft



Height: 4–6 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 3a–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



Ideal for small gardens, foundation plantings, and rain gardens



Notes



Shape: Compact, upright, multi-stemmed shrub



Smaller and denser than most Cornus sericea cultivars



Winter color brightest on new growth; prune older stems periodically



Excellent for borders, mass plantings, and winter-interest displays



Spreads slowly by suckers; easy to maintain

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub, Flowering Shrub

Height

4-6'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained, Wet Area

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Hedge

Shape

Broad Upright, Clump

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No