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Description
Cornus Sericea Cardinal, also known as Red Osier Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the dogwood family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in wetlands, swamps, and along stream banks. The shrub is known for its stunning red bark and bright red stems that add a pop of color to any landscape. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide and produces clusters of white flowers in late spring. The flowers are followed by a small berry-like fruit that is a favorite among birds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus||———–|———–|———–|———–|———–|————–|——–|| Eukarya| Plantae| Angiosperms| Eudicots| Cornales| Cornaceae| Cornus |
Appearance
The Cornus Sericea Cardinal is a multi-stemmed shrub that has a dense, upright growth habit. It has bright red bark and stems that provide a striking contrast against its green leaves. The leaves are oval-shaped, around 3 inches long, and turn a reddish-purple in the fall. The plant produces small clusters of white flowers in late spring, which are followed by small, white fruit that matures into a blue-black color. The shrub can grow up to 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedging or screening.
Care Guide
Cornus Sericea Cardinal is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this stunning shrub:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.- Soil: The shrub can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers moist, well-drained soil.- Sunlight: The plant does well in full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Cornus Sericea Cardinal is hardy in zones 2 to 7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cornus Sericea Cardinal is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be susceptible to some issues. Here are some of the common pests and diseases that affect this plant:- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown spots on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves. It can be treated with a fungicide.- Scale Insects: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or oil.
Habitat
Cornus Sericea Cardinal is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and along stream banks. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cornus Sericea Cardinal be used as a hedge plant?
A: Yes, Cornus Sericea Cardinal can be used as a hedge plant due to its dense growth habit.
Q: Does Cornus Sericea Cardinal attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the plant produces small, white berries that are a favorite among birds.
Q: How often should I water Cornus Sericea Cardinal?
A: The plant prefers moist soil, so water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
Q: When is the best time to fertilize Cornus Sericea Cardinal?
A: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy growth.
Related Plants
– Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’- Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’- Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Beauty’- Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’- Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Cornus sericea L. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=COSE3- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Cornus sericea. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c670- The Spruce. (2021). Red twig dogwood. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/red-twig-dogwood-4121672
