Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Cornus sericea 'Isanti'
Isanti Red Twig Dogwood
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Width
- 5 to 7 feet
- Flower color
- Creamy white small flowers borne in flat topped clusters
- Foliage color
- Medium green ovate leaves often turning reddish purple in fall with bright red stems in winter
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Average to moist soil tolerates wet soils and seasonal flooding
- Maintenance
- Low; prune in late winter to remove older stems and encourage new growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 7
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies and birds that feed on the white to bluish berries
About this plant
Cornus sericea 'Isanti' produces clusters of creamy white flowers in late spring, each tiny bloom gathered into rounded heads that appear along the stems. The blossoms are followed by small white berries that add seasonal interest later in the year. Fresh green leaves unfold along the branches in spring, creating a full canopy that turns warm shades of red and burgundy in autumn. As the foliage falls, vivid red stems emerge, bringing bright winter color to the landscape.
This cultivated selection traces its heritage to Cornus sericea native to much of North America. In gardens it provides seasonal interest in borders, naturalized plantings, and wildlife landscapes where the flowers attract pollinators and the berries provide food for birds.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Winter Interest · Hedging & Privacy · Wildlife Gardens
Companion plants
Tickseed · Russian sage · Potentilla · Fountain grass · Basket-of-gold · Lily of the Nile
Design tip
A more compact red twig dogwood can bring vivid winter color into spaces where larger forms would feel overwhelming. Its broad shape looks especially effective beside ornamental grasses, where fine seed heads and vertical blades contrast with the colorful branching once autumn foliage disappears.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
