Red Twig Dogwood Shrubs: Types, Leaves, Bark (Pictures) – Identification

Brilliant red bark, lovely white blooms, lance-shaped green leaves, and whitish summer berries that last until autumn characterize red twig dogwoods as spectacular shrubs. The four-season interest of red-stem dogwood shrubs may be seen in gardens. In the spring and summer months, before changing to spectacular orange and red hues in the fall, red twigs brighten winter landscapes and white flowers contrast with lush green leaves.

Red twig dogwood shrubs are a kind of dogwood that comes in a variety of colors. Red-barked dogwood (Cornus alba) has burgundy-red branches and is the most popular red twig dogwood. The red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) with bright red twigs or the dogwood ‘Elegantissima’ with crimson branches and variegated leaves are better options for more spectacular colors. In a bare winter scene, suppose you want to add vivid and colorful plants.

Maybe you want a flowering hedge to attract gorgeous blooming flowers. This page is for you in that situation. The most gorgeous red dogwood bushes with twigs are featured in this guide. Furthermore, in a garden landscape, there are advice on how to grow red twig dogwood bushes successfully.

About Red Twig Dogwood 

In the winter, red twig dogwood bushes brighten up your yard. The red twig dogwood plant, also known as Cornus sanguinea ‘Anny’s Winter Orange,’ belongs to the genus Cornus and the family Cornaceae. The colorful bark of these medium to tall deciduous shrubs ranges from bright lipstick red to deep burgundy red, and is famed for its color. Red-barked dogwoods grow to be between 5 and 13 feet (1.5 and 4 meters) tall.

For injecting life into a drab winter garden, red stem dogwood bushes are excellent choices. USDA zones 3 through 8 are suitable for hardy shrubs. Against brown or gray leafless shrubs and trees during the winter, their exquisite red branches stand out. The shrub’s twigs are kept red year after year with regular trimming.

The fast-growing, low-maintenance red bark dogwoods are good candidates for shrubs. In ideal circumstances, they will grow around 24 inches (60 cm) each year. Dogwoods thrive best in full sun or partial shade for the most vibrant red colors. White blooms bloom in the spring, followed by round clusters of white fruits in the summer.

As deciduous hedge plants, dogwood shrubs are also good. From spring to summer, planting a row of red-stemmed dogwoods creates a flowering privacy screen. After the leaves fall in the autumn, gorgeous orange, coral red, dark red, and pinkish-red hues emerge as a stunning backdrop..

Red Twig Dogwood Leaves

Dogwood leaves are lance-shaped or oval with light to dark green upper sides and lighter undersides and smooth edges in the fall, when they turn a gorgeous reddish color. The prominent veins and somewhat wrinkled look of dogwood leaves distinguish them. Red twig dogwood leaves are 2–4.5 inches (5–12 cm) long on average.

The spectacular fall colors of red twig dogwoods have made them popular. Green leaves give way to stunning hues of reds, yellows, and purples as they change. A patchy appearance with green, red, and yellow colors on the same leaf occurs as the leaves change.

Red Twig Dogwood Bark

Many dogwood shrubs have distinctive bark that is red. In the autumn and winter, when it gets cold, the thin dogwood twigs change hues of red. Colors may vary from vivid crimson-red to coral red and dark wine red, depending on the variety of dogwood shrub.

In the fall, regular trimming ensures that dogwood bushes have vibrant red colors. New growth has the brightest color, and grayish-brown older twigs. In winter while the shrub is dormant, trim one-third of the shrub’s twigs for optimum autumn colors. Next, you’ll see the vibrant red dogwood branches in the fall.

Red Twig Dogwood Berries

Berries on red twig dogwood bushes ripen after blooming, and birds are drawn to them. Little spherical pea-sized white berries cluster on the lovely bushes. The red stems and green leaves contrast well with these white berry clusters. While dogwood berries aren’t thought to be harmful, they may cause gastrointestinal discomfort in dogs.

Red Twig Dogwood Flowers

Red twig dogwood shrubs are covered in white flowers. The flat-topped clusters (cymes) of creamy white blossoms are roughly 2 inches (5 cm) wide. In late spring, dogwood flowers bloom and stay through the summer. Small white, four or five-petalled star-shaped blooms with showy stamens make up the attractive white flower clusters.

Red Twig Dogwood Identification

Because of their dramatic crimson winter and autumn hues and clusters of snowy-white blooms, red twig dogwood bushes are simple to identify. White blooms and berries appear amidst thick green foliage throughout the spring and summer, then crimson in the fall. The stems are vivid red once the leaves have fallen.

Types of Red Twig Dogwood (With Pictures)

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular red-stemmed dogwood bushes, which are suitable for sunny gardens and yards.

Red-Barked Dogwood (Cornus alba)

Red-barked dogwood is a flowering decorative shrub with crimson stems that bloom from fall to late winter. The thin orangey-red twigs on the landscape shrub are distinctive. The lanceolate leaves are dark green, and clusters of white blooms and berries decorate the dogwood. Dogwoods with red bark grow to be 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3 meters) tall in thickets.

In USDA zones 3 through 7, the red twig dogwood thrives on damp soils. Variegated or bright yellow leaves are seen in other Cornus alba cultivars. Coral red stems and blue fruit characterize the crimson-barked dogwood ‘Sibirica.’

Red-barked dogwood flowers: Flat-topped clusters of creamy white blooms distinguish red-barked dogwood.

Red-barked dogwood fruit: During the summer until the fall, look for white berry-like drupes with a bluish tint growing in clusters.

Red-barked dogwood bark: This dogwood variety has orangey-red to burgundy-red bark.

Red-barked dogwood leaves: In the summer, the top leaf surface is green, but in the fall, it changes to yellowish or reddish-purple.

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

The shrubbery Cornus sericea, or red osier dogwood, is a blooming decorative shrub. The bright crimson stems, lovely white berries, and pointed oblong leaves that turn red or purple in the autumn distinguish this gorgeous shrub. This fast-growing species grows 5 to 13 feet (1.5 to 4 meters) tall and is sometimes known as the American dogwood.

Its resemblance to red willow shrubs inspired the common name “red osier.” Red stem dogwood, creek dogwood, red willow, and western dogwood are some of the other names for this popular red twig dogwood. In zone 2, this species is one of the toughest dogwoods, able to withstand harsh winters.

Red osier dogwood flowers: Dense clusters of creamy-white flowers bloom in mid-spring on red osier dogwood.

Red osier dogwood fruit: In late summer, red osier dogwood’s white berries with a blue tint on crimson stalks help to distinguish it.

Red osier dogwood bark: In the winter, the multi-stemmed shrub stands out because of its vividly colored red stems.

Red osier dogwood leaves: In the fall, the lanceolate leaves become orange, red, and purple and are up to 5″ (13 cm) long.

Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)

The common dogwood is a bushy, upright, multi-stemmed red shrub that is commonly known as bloodtwig dogwood. Little white flowers, purple-black berries, hairy leaves, and dark red stems distinguish the red twig dogwood. Dogwood bushes reach 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.5 meters) tall and broad, depending on the species.

The clusters of dark purple or black drupes that appear on Cornus sanguinea flowers and leaves are one of the shrub’s distinguishing features. In late summer, these black berry-like drupes mature, attracting birds and animals to gardens. Furthermore, as a shrub border, screening plant, or hedge, the low-maintenance shrub has ornamental appeal throughout all four seasons.

Common dogwood flowers: Soft white blossoms with flat clusters measuring 2″ (5 cm) across are one of the identifying characteristics of common dogwood flowers.

Common dogwood fruit: The red twig common dogwood tree’s distinguishing characteristic is clusters of bitter black or dark blue fruits.

Common dogwood bark: Burgundy red or purple-red bark with distinct lenticels on the twigs distinguishes the common dogwood.

Common dogwood leaves: Dark green leaves that are 2” to 4” (5 – 10 cm) long characterize the common dogwood. In the fall, common dogwood leaves turn reddish-purple.

Variegated Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’)

The narrow ovate gray-green leaves with creamy-white margins distinguish variegated red twig dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’). The multi-stemmed shrub may grow up to ten feet (3 meters) tall and broad. Clusters of tiny creamy-white flowers and white berries contrast nicely with the variegated dogwood foliage.

Most dogwood bushy shrubs have spectacular fall leaf colors, but not Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima.

Variegated red-barked dogwood flowers: White clusters of thick blooms, similar to those seen on a dogwood species plant, are found on this variegated cultivar.

Variegated red-barked dogwood fruit: On coral-red stems, the Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ has clusters of white blossoms.

Variegated red-barked dogwood bark: This dogwood species has deep red thin stems that grow in spreading thickets.

Variegated red-barked dogwood leaves: The variegated dogwood has slender, lance-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the autumn and fall to expose black red branches. The leaves are gray-green and white.

Cardinal Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’)

The cardinal red twig dogwood is a multi-stemmed, suckering shrub with bright, glossy crimson stems. This dogwood cultivar’s spring clusters of white flowers, dark green leaves in the summer, blue-tinged white berries in the autumn, and cardinal red winter stems are what attract people to it throughout the year. The cardinal red twig dogwood shrubs grow to be 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters) tall. To control its height as a foundation plant, shrub border, or screening plant, regular pruning is required. In addition, winter pruning encourages fresh burgundy-red stems to develop year after year.

Cardinal red twig dogwood flowers: The cardinal red twig dogwood has tiny dense clusters of tiny star-shaped creamy flowers that bloom in late spring, which is a characteristic feature.

Cardinal red twig dogwood fruit: In the summer after blooming, clusters of little white drupes resembling berries appear.

Cardinal red twig dogwood bark: The rusty-red color of the dogwood shrub’s upright growing thin twigs is a distinguishing characteristic.

Cardinal red twig dogwood leaves: In the fall, the attractive shrub’s dark green leaves turn bright red hues as they cover this dogwood variety’s lovely leaves.

Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood

The blooming dwarf ornamental shrub ‘Arctic Fire’ dogwood adds color to a winter vista with its bright red stems. The 3 to 5 ft. (1.5 m) shade-tolerant miniature shrub is a good choice. In the autumn, the dark green leaves, white flower clusters, and burgundy-red leaves of the Arctic Fire red twig dogwood.

The most shade tolerant of all the dogwood kinds is the red twig dogwood variety ‘Arctic Fire. When grown in part shade or full shade, the dwarf shrub creates vivid hues. It also thrives in full sun. The dogwood known as the ‘Arctic Fire’ is ideal for container cultivation because of its brief growth habit..

‘Arctic Fire’ dogwood flowers: This dogwood’s small flat-topped cymes of tiny creamy-white flowers are the distinctive characteristic of this species.

‘Arctic Fire’ dogwood fruit: The white berries with a yellowish-green tinge of the ‘Arctic Fire’ dogwood are produced after flowering.

‘Arctic Fire’ dogwood bark: Beautiful bright red stems and a compact habit distinguish the red twig dogwood ‘Arctic Fire.

‘Arctic Fire’ dogwood leaves: When the dark green lanceolate leaves turn deep red in the autumn, the compact, ornamental dwarf shrub produces stunning colors.

Bailey Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Baileyi’)

Bailey red twig dogwood is a fast-growing, brilliantly colored, red-stemmed bush with pointed leaves and white flowers and white berries. It is a cultivar of Cornus sericea. The decorative Bailey’s red twig dogwood shrub grows to be 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) tall and is ideal for tiny garden settings. The leaves become deep purple in the autumn.

The red twig dogwood, Cornus sericea Baileyi, doesn’t spread and is one of its distinguishing features. Unlike other kinds of dogwoods, this red-stemmed variety doesn’t sucker. When grown in full sun, the stems turn vivid red in fall and winter.

Bailey red twig dogwood flowers: Clusters of milky-white blooms bloom on the dwarf dogwood tree, which is shaped like a flat-topped cyme.

Bailey red twig dogwood fruit: Throughout the summer and autumn, small purple berries develop after blooming, gradually turning white with a blue tint.

Bailey red twig dogwood bark: In a dreary winter scene, young stems on Bailey red twig dogwood emerge vibrant crimson, adding brightness.

Bailey red twig dogwood leaves: In the fall, Bailey’s dogwood produces triangular-shaped, pointed, dark green leaves that become a rich red wine color.

Bloodtwig Dogwood ‘Midwinter Fire’ (Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’)

In the winter, its crimson twig dogwood ‘Midwinter Fire’ has crimson stems with a yellowish-orange tint. Medium green, ovate leaves that turn golden yellow, white flower clusters, and black purple drupes are among the distinguishing features of the ‘Midwinter Fire’ dogwood. This dogwood variety may grow to be 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and broad.

‘Midwinter Fire’ red twig dogwood flowers: Late in the spring, cymes of fragrant white blooms bloom.

‘Midwinter Fire’ red twig dogwood fruit: Its clusters of tiny dark purple berries, which bloom in the summer, are the distinguishing characteristic of this dwarf dogwood.

‘Midwinter Fire’ red twig dogwood bark: The stems of the Midwinter Fire are more yellow or orange than brilliant red, unlike most dogwoods. In winter landscapes, on the other hand, they provide a bright, vivid orange.

‘Midwinter Fire’ red twig dogwood leaves: In the autumn, the Lanceolate or Ovate medium green leaves turn golden yellow.

How to Care for Red Twig Dogwood Shrubs

Plant the decorative bushes in full sun to partial sun to cultivate red twig dogwood shrubs in your yard. In moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, red-stemmed dogwoods thrive. During dry spells, mature dogwood trees are the only ones that emerge. In the winter, prune one-third of the stems and fertilize with organic compost in the spring. The best way to ensure bright red stems grow on ornamental dogwood year after year is to plant in full sun and prune annually.

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