PLANT FINDER

Other Names:  Red-Osier Dogwood

Description:

Brilliant scarlet stems are a great feature during winter; small white flowers in spring are followed by attractive berries in mid summer; gorgeous burgundy fall color; this compact and well-behaved shrub has year-round interest

Ornamental Features

Bergeson Compact Dogwood features showy clusters of white star-shaped flowers at the ends of the branches from mid to late spring. It has dark green deciduous foliage which emerges chartreuse in spring. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding burgundy in the fall. It produces white berries with powder blue overtones from mid to late summer. The scarlet branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Bergeson Compact Dogwood is a dense multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading

Bergeson Compact Dogwood is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
• Bog Gardens

Planting & Growing

Bergeson Compact Dogwood will grow to be about 5 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.