Moderate to grow

red twig dogwood

Cornus sericea 'KLM RR' ERIKA THE BLONDE

Overview

Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea 'KLM RR' ERIKA THE BLONDE) is an amazing ornamental shrub featuring deep glossy green foliage and durable woody stems that emerge with stunning yellow-bronze coloring in the fall. This beautiful shrub naturally prefers wet boggy areas and features an elegant weeping habit as it receives more sun. In spring, red twig dogwood’s white fragrant flowers appear to be a welcome sight, and its dark-green leaves emerge. Then, as summer begins, its colorful clusters of berries ripen in clusters. In the autumn the shrub blooms with stunning bright yellow-bronze coloring, providing a unique splash of color and texture to the garden. Red twig dogwood is an excellent choice for landscaping. This hardy, easy-to-care-for shrub is also winter hardy and perfect for adding a splash of gorgeous color to your landscape!

Care Guide

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Watering

Water newly planted Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea 'KLM RR' ERIKA THE BLONDE) at least once a week for the entire growing season, providing 2 inches of water each time. Once established, this type of dogwood can tolerate dry conditions and only needs watering during severe drought. However, during extended periods of dry weather, the plants still benefit from occasional watering to keep them thriving. For established plants, water every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season, providing 1-2 inches of water at each session. This fast-growing shrub requires plenty of water during the active growing season for maximum growth and flowering.

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Light

Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea 'KLM RR' ERIKA THE BLONDE) grows best in partial shade, receiving 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. It prefers a sunny spot in the morning and some shade later in the day. Red twig dogwood is an excellent choice for a spot that gets some morning sun, but then has some protection from hot afternoon sun. This shrub also does well in complete shade, but produces fewer berries and less colorful stems.

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Temperature

Hardiness zone 3–7.

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Pruning

Pruning for Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea 'KLM RR' ERIKA THE BLONDE) is recommended to be done in late winter or early spring, typically between February and April. The plant should be pruned back by approximately 1-third to 1-half of its total height and width each year. During pruning, it is important to make each cut just above a bud so that the buds from the old wood are able to grow into new branches and can contribute to the overall shape of the shrub. Pruning of this plant should be done carefully as the foliage and branches are more brittle than other species. This can lead to a high risk of breakage while pruning.

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Propagation

Cutting, Layering Propagation, Grafting Propagation, Division, Seed Propagation

Uses & Symbolism

Attracts: Birds, Butterflies.

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