What is the Coral Red Dogwood?
The Coral Red Dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Cardinal') is a beautiful deciduous shrub known for its deep red bark, making it a stunning addition to any landscape. This shrub is famous for gardeners who want to add color and interest to their garden during winter. In this description, I will provide some essential information about the Coral Red Dogwood, including its appearance, growth requirements, and care.
Appearance
The Coral Red Dogwood is a multi-stemmed shrub typically growing between 6 and 9 feet tall and wide. It has a rounded shape and a dense, compact habit making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, hedges, or mass plantings. The most distinctive feature of this shrub is its bright red bark, which intensifies in color during the winter months. The leaves of the Coral Red Dogwood are oval-shaped, dark green, and turn a purplish-red color in the Fall (End of October).
Growth Requirements
The Coral Red Dogwood is a hardy shrub well-suited for various growing conditions. It prefers moist soil and some shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. This shrub is also tolerant of multiple soil types, including clay and sand, and can grow in acidic and alkaline soil. The Coral Red Dogwood is hardy in USDA zones 2-7.
Care
The Coral Red Dogwood is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care once established. It should be watered regularly during its first growing season to help it establish a robust root system. After that, it should only need supplemental watering during dry spells. This shrub does not require pruning, but if desired, it can be pruned in late winter or early Spring 2024 to propagate new growth and maintain its shape.
Conclusion
In summary, the Coral Red Dogwood is a beautiful, hardy shrub that will add interest and color to any landscape. Its striking red bark, dense habit, and low-maintenance requirements make it a popular choice for gardeners who want to enhance their garden's beauty and curb appeal. The Coral Red Dogwood impresses whether used as a foundation planting, hedge, or mass planting.
