Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' (Red osier dogwood 'Cardinal') — Suckering

Overview

Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' is a suckering shrubs in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 2.5-4 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens.

About

Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' is a deciduous shrub cultivar of the Cornus genus, commonly known as red osier dogwood 'Cardinal'. It grows to a height of 1.5 to 2.5 metres with a spread of 2.5 to 4 metres, reaching full size within 5 to 10 years. This suckering shrub thrives in a variety of soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained to poorly drained soils. It is adaptable to full sun or partial shade and can be grown in exposed or sheltered positions. 'Cardinal' offers seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter, and requires low maintenance.

About the genus

Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods or cornels, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.

Wikipedia contributors, "Cornus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Cornus

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness: H6

Plant details

Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs
Habit: Suckering
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1.5-2.5 metres
Spread: 2.5-4 metres
Time to full height: 5-10 years
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'

Propagation: Semi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Grafting
Pest resistance: Generally pest-free
Disease resistance: Cornus anthracnose, Honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'?

Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' need?

Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained to well-drained.