How do I keep the stems bright red?

Prune out about one third of the oldest stems every spring to encourage new, vibrant growth.

Does it need full sun?

It grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Plant guide

Common dogwood.

Cornus sanguinea

Pronounced KOR-nus san-GWIN-ee-uh

Also known as Bloodtwig dogwood, Dogwood, blood-twig dogwood, common dogwood, dogberry

The common dogwood is a lovely deciduous shrub known for its vibrant seasonal changes. It adds great structure to a garden with its colorful stems and berries. You will enjoy its presence throughout the year.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 10 to 15 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant this shrub in well draining soil and keep it moist while it gets established. Watch for yellowing leaves which can signal poor drainage or too much water. Prune back older stems in late winter to encourage bright new growth.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer once in early spring.
Pruning: Remove a portion of the oldest stems each winter to maintain color.
Repotting: If grown in a container, move to a larger pot every few years.
Soil: Loamy, moist, well drained soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -30 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth

Safety

People: The berries are not safe for human consumption and can cause digestive discomfort.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The dark berries may look tempting to small children but should be kept out of reach as they are not for eating.
Contact allergens: Some people may experience mild skin irritation from handling the foliage.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can be a minor trigger for those with seasonal allergies.
Edibility: The berries are generally considered inedible for humans due to high bitterness and potential stomach upset.

How to identify it

Dark red winter stems
Oval shaped green leaves
Small white spring flowers
Dark purple black berries
Opposite leaf arrangement

Height: 2 to 4m
Spread: 2 to 4m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, cream, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: black, Late summer to autumn

Problems to watch for

Dogwood anthracnose · A fungal infection that causes leaf spots and twig dieback.
Powdery mildew · A white fungal coating on leaves that occurs in humid conditions.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your common dogwood from a photo

Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your plant and tells you what's wrong and what to try first.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special protection is needed as it is fully hardy. Simply enjoy the bright red stems against the winter sky.
In containers: It can be grown in a large container, but it will eventually require planting in the ground to thrive long term.

Hardwood cuttings

1. Take cuttings in late autumn after leaf drop.
2. Cut 20 cm lengths from healthy stems.
3. Insert into a pot of gritty compost.
4. Place in a cold frame until spring.

Plant this shrub in groups to maximize the visual impact of the red stems during the winter months.

Grows well with

Snowberry · They share similar soil requirements and look lovely together in a mixed hedge.
Viburnum · This shrub provides a nice textural contrast to the dogwood foliage.

Similar species

Red osier dogwood · It is a North American relative with similar red stems and wildlife benefits.

Science

Family: Cornaceae
Genus: Cornus
Order: Cornales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Europe and Western Asia
Conservation: This plant is common and widespread in its native range and is not of conservation concern.

It thrives in woodland edges and hedgerows where it provides essential cover and food for local bird populations.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, bird food source, nesting cover
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental shrub, hedging, winter interest, wildlife garden

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND

Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How do I keep the stems bright red?: Prune out about one third of the oldest stems every spring to encourage new, vibrant growth.
Does it need full sun?: It grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade.

Where the name comes from

Cornus comes from the Latin word for horn, referring to the hard wood, while sanguinea describes the blood red winter stems.

Good to know

The specific epithet sanguinea refers to the blood red color of the stems.
It is a fantastic plant for adding color to a winter landscape.
The wood was historically used to make skewers and arrows.

Keep your common dogwood growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.