Gardeners long to see color in the landscape during the winter. Somewhat unusual plants that provide this bright break are red and yellow dogwoods (Cornus sericea vars.).

        During the Christmas holidays, while waiting for a traffic light to change, I noticed a planting of Cornus sericea “Flaviramea” growing on a traffic island. This shrub is the yellow-stemmed variety of the red-osier dogwood. The bright yellow, shiny stems were so striking in this bleak setting.

        Cornus sericea “Flaviramea” produces clusters of small whitish flowers in May and sporadically throughout the summer. The foliage will tend to obscure the blooms. By mid-June, flower clusters develop white berries. The undersides of the leaves remain white and, like the berries, contrast with the red colors of autumn.

The red stems of “sibirica,” a dogwood shrub, stand out against a winter landscape. | ZOOM |

        A gardening friend told me that he had a problem site involving poor drainage at the base of a long back yard. He gave up mowing and lined the low area with cultivars of Cornus sericea. The soggy problem area turned into a striking display of colored stems during the winter. By the way, these shrubs do not require swampy ground; they flourish equally well in dry areas.

        Many gardening catalogs and nurseries list Cornus sericea as Cornus stolonifera,which has become a synonym for the species. Cultivars include the following:

        • C. sericea or stolonifera var. “Cheyenne” is a good selection for blood-red stem color.

        • “Isanti” is a compact form with a bright red stem.

        • “Silver and Gold” produces variegated foliage and yellow stems. It is a loose, spreading plant.

        • “Cardinal” has glowing, almost iridescent stems which turn a watermelon-pink in the winter and pale chartreuse-green in spring.

        • “Sibirica” produces rich, red stems that stand out boldly against the snow or evergreens.

        Growing tips

        • Prune Cornus sericea annually; the more old branches removed, the more young suckers will appear in the spring.

        • Grow in sun or shade, but color is better in full sun.

        • Plants tolerate wind, wet conditions, drought, air pollution and some soil compaction.

        • Plants have no disease or insect problems.

        Contact Tim Morehouse at The Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati OH 45202; www.getmoregarden.com. If writing, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
       
       

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