Red Osier Dogwood

bobm

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I was just given 2 Red OsierDogwood 1 year old trees/ shrubs . I googled for description regarding cultural practices, soil , sun/ shade , size, etc. . Everything seams to be controdictory. Does anyone have experiences in growing these, opinions , etc. :tools
 

NwMtGardener

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Ohhhhhhh! Love these in the winter especially, with their red branches. I think the only place i wouldnt put them is somewhere really dry and hot...
 

897tgigvib

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We grew those in Montana. Tough as nails. Someone looking for a shrub they can't kill, show them a Red Ossier Dogwood.

They look nice in winter with reddish twigs sticking up from the snow. We kept them in part shade and afternoon sun, one of the least favored spots, and don't think we ever lost one.

Don't know why there is contradictory info. Maybe because they can take so many conditions each writer finds a different best condition.

A decent place, decent soil, decent care, decent sun, decent water.

Most anyone should tell you they are easy and forgiving. I guess give it good care and it'll reward you.

I'm sure nwmtgardener and thistle are absolutely right, as they live where they grow wild.

I saw some at a montana mountain lake side. Part shade, 40 or so feet from water, uphill.
 

Smart Red

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I have a few of them. Once started they grow well and easily. Every three years, I cut mine down to the ground. It seems to me the red color is on the new growth. By the third year, the rest of the shrub is more brownish. Cutting them brings back the red that looks so interesting in winter, and encourages long, new growth that I've used in making baskets.
 

897tgigvib

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Smart, you are fearless! Love it! I'd do it if I had one, just because she said so.
 

thistlebloom

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If you're less courageous than Red ;) you can cut out about one third of the oldest canes every year. That stimulates new canes and you get that fantastic bright red mixed in with the deeper muted reds of the oldest canes.
 

Smart Red

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Yes, the one third rule applies to these dogwood shrubs as well, but I don't think you can kill these once established.

Besides, I saw a PBS garden show where the horticulturalist was shown doing the same thing - taking their Red Osier down to the ground - for control and color. I don't feel courageous. What I feel is empathy for the poor branches and the strong desire to try rooting everything I remove. Of course that lasts only as long as it takes before I need to mow the yard and don't get scratched by all that overgrown shrubbery.
 

Smart Red

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Nyboy said:
Do they flower like the dogwood tree?
The flower? Not the same as my dogwood tree. More like a Virburnum with a cluster of berries after flowering.

It is one plant that does not appeal to Japanese Beetles . . . so far.
 
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