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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Cornus sericea 'Isanti'

Isanti Red Twig Dogwood

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Average to moist soil tolerates wet soils and seasonal flooding

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.