Down the Garden Path

by Nancy Donovan, Ph.D., PT Master Gardener Volunteer

that “One of the best shrubs for winter interest, red-osier dogwood, produces deep red twigs and stems.”

The Red-osier dogwood is a deciduous (seasonally drops leaves) shrub that can be found naturally in wetlands, meadows, fields, shores of rivers and lakes, swamps and tidal marshes. The rapidly spreading shrub grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet with many stems extending up from the base of the plant. It will grow in sun to part shade areas and prefers average to wet soil, though it will tolerate dry soil and clay. The medium to dark green leaves and the new growth stems will display fine hairs on the surfaces in the spring, and tiny, fragrant off-white flowers will appear in late spring. Later in the summer season, clusters of white berries will develop, much to the delight of birds.

RED STEMS, Page 4B