Red Twig Dogwood Cornus sericea 'White Gold' (v)

Water

Redtwig dogwood 'White Gold' typically requires regular watering to maintain moist, but not soggy, soil conditions. It’s advisable to provide deep watering once a week, ensuring that you add an equivalent of 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant for proper soil penetration. During hot and dry periods, the frequency may need to increase to twice per week, with less water required during cooler or rainy spells. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Adjust water amounts based on rainfall and check the soil moisture before watering to ensure it has begun to dry out.

Light

Redtwig dogwood 'White Gold' flourishes best in full sun to partial shade. It's ideal to plant it in a location that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but also can perform well when it receives dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid deep shade as it can hinder the plant's growth and vibrant foliage color.

Temperature

Redtwig dogwood 'White Gold' is cold-hardy and thrives in a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive winter temperatures down to -30°F, while excessive heat above 95°F should be avoided as it can stress the plant. Providing a location with some afternoon shade could be beneficial in warmer climates to prevent overheating.

Pruning

Pruning redtwig dogwood 'White Gold' can enhance its appearance and health. Prune in late winter to early spring before new growth starts. Remove a quarter to a third of the oldest stems to stimulate new growth and maintain vibrant stem color. Additionally, prune out any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain a neat form. Regular pruning also encourages the growth of the colorful young stems that are a standout feature in the winter landscape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Red Osier Dogwood 'White Gold' prefers well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. A soil mix of loam, sand, and peat with some compost provides an ideal environment. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Red Osier Dogwood 'White Gold' is typically grown outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. However, if grown in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Red Osier Dogwood 'White Gold' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and thrives in average outdoor humidity.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Red Osier Dogwood 'White Gold' near a bright window.

• Outdoor

  Plant in moist, fertile soil with access to full sun or part shade.

• Hardiness zone

  3-8 USDA

Life cycle

Cornus sericea 'White Gold', commonly known as Red Osier Dogwood, starts its life cycle with seed germination, occurring when conditions of moisture and temperature are favorable. Seedlings emerge and grow into juvenile plants, developing a characteristic golden-variegated foliage amidst green. As saplings mature, they become hardy shrubs typically reaching up to 6-9 feet tall with multiple stems and a spread to match their height. The growth stage includes the formation of white blooms in late spring to early summer, followed by the production of white to blueish fruit. In autumn, leaves may turn to a mix of orange, red, and purple hues before falling off as the plant enters dormancy for the winter. In its perennial cycle, the Red Osier Dogwood will resume growth from its root system once the conditions in spring are conducive, continuing this process for many years, often upwards of 20 years or more with proper care.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter-Early Spring

• The Cornus sericea 'White Gold', commonly known as the Variegated Red Twig Dogwood, is most commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. This method involves taking cuttings from new growth in late spring to early summer when the stems are mature enough to snap when bent. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length, and the lower leaves are removed. The cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then placed in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm environment with high humidity, such as under a plastic dome or in a greenhouse, and the soil should be kept consistently moist. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can eventually be transplanted outdoors.