Having a winter garden with color is a challenge and this is a shrub that will help drive away winter grayness. Like its cousin, redtwig dogwood, its stems are the main attraction and add a greenish yellow color to the garden. The stems will produce a fairly dense mass if grown in the sun and pruned back regularly. The plants grow well in moist areas where other plants won’t grow and their suckering and layering nature make them assets for erosion control. They can be used as a specimen plant but is especially effective planted with other shrubs with winter interest such as red twigged dogwood.
Type: Deciduous shrub.
Form: Multistemmed, loose and somewhat open; rounded and spreading.
Growth Rate: Vigorous.
Size: 6-10’H x 6-10’W.
Light: Full sun; tolerates less but color of stems in winter will not be as bright.
Soil: Tolerates wet soil.
Hardiness: Zones 3—8.
Care: Since the new growth shows the brightest color, 1/3 of the old stems should be removed every 3rd winter to encourage new growth.
Pests and Diseases: Leaf spot, and scale possible; fairly susceptible to canker.
Propagation: Cuttings root easily.
Comments: Berries attractive to birds; can be garish planted in masse.