Easy to grow, super durable, and at its most attractive in winter – perhaps that’s why you’ve grown our native red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea, aka Cornus stolonifera) before. But did you know that it also hosts the larvae of the spring azure butterfly? It’s true! There are lots of different varieties of red-twig dogwood out there, but we offer Arctic Fire Red from Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs because it is a bit smaller and more refined than others, and resists the leaf spot that plagues older selections, too.
Red-twig dogwoods are ideal for a hedge or backdrop in your landscape; they can even be grown as specimens. We particularly like them when they are sited against a pine or other evergreen or a wall—this really sets them off nicely in the winter landscape.
Vital Details:
Plant size: 3-5′ tall and wide.
Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day), part sun (4-6 hrs/day). Can also be grown in shade, but will not take on as much winter color, nor will it be as attractive to butterflies for egg-laying.
Water: Average to wet.
Hardiness: USDA zone 2-7 (Find your hardiness zone)
Pollinator Value: Attracts honeybees, hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.
Host Plant To The Following: Hosts the larvae of the spring azure butterfly.
Notable features: Proven Winners, winter interest, native, shade tolerant, deer resistant, cut flower.
Pot size: One quart
Plant name: Cornus sericea ‘Farrow’, pp#18,523
For complete growing details, click on over to our guide on growing red-twig dogwoods.