Dogwood Cardinal Red Osier

The Cardinal Red Osier Dogwood, Cornus sericea 'Cardinal', is a MNRC introduction. The Cardinal Red Osier Dogwood was selected for its bright red winter twig color. Cardinal Red is best grown in organically rich, medium wet to wet soils in full sun to part shade but tolerates a wide range of soils, including swampy or boggy conditions. Cardinal Red Osier is a hybrid Dogwood that was developed by the University of Minnesota in 1986. NC 7 Trials top performing plant. 2004 Plant of Merit. Tiny white flowers appear in flat topped clusters in late spring. Flowers give way to clusters of creamy white fruit in late summer. Fruit is very attractive to birds and is generally considered to have as much if not more ornamental interest than the flowers. Dark green leaves turn an attractive red purple in autumn.