Plant Library

Description:

A hardy shrub dogwood, prized for its brilliant red stems which contrast wonderfully against the winter snow; fresh green foliage all summer with porcelain blue berries later in that season; orange-red fall color; great for borders, massing, and wetlands

Ornamental Features

Cayenne Dogwood is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. It features an abundance of magnificent steel blue berries from late summer to late fall. It has rich green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn outstanding shades of orange, gold and red in the fall. The smooth red bark is extremely showy and adds significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Cayenne Dogwood is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and can be pruned at anytime. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Suckering

Cayenne Dogwood is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Cayenne Dogwood will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 10 feet. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selection of a native North American species.