Water
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Mature plants are more drought-tolerant once established.
Also known as Blood-Twig Cornel · Blood-Twig Dogwood · Bloodtwig Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea is a deciduous shrub known for its vibrant red winter stems, small white flowers, and dark berries. It offers year-round interest in gardens.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and stem color, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, reducing in winter. Ensure good drainage.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, including cold winters.
Low
25% intensity
Generally not needed. Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring if growth is poor.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Mature plants are more drought-tolerant once established.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. For vigorous winter stem color, cut back established plants hard to encourage fresh, brightly colored new shoots.
Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain plant health and shape.
Easily propagated from softwood cuttings taken in early summer. Heel cuttings (a piece of older wood attached) can also be successful. Seed propagation is possible but requires a period of cold stratification.
Repot young plants as needed, typically every 2-3 years, when they become root-bound. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a sheltered location for a few weeks.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Species | Cornus sanguinea |
Similar in genus Cornus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
