Red-hart dogwood (Cornus sericea), proposed by Akène
🌿 A native shrub with bright red stems and multiple ecological roles 🌿
Red-hearted dogwood is a large native perennial shrub that can grow up to 2 metres tall . It is prized for its deep red bark that becomes particularly vibrant after the first frosts, providing visual interest even in winter. In June , it produces clusters of fragrant cream flowers , which attract many pollinators , followed by small white fruits that are eaten by many species of birds .
🌱 Highly adaptable , it prefers rich, moist soils , but tolerates a variety of conditions. Its dense root system makes it an ideal plant for stabilizing banks and slopes , while promoting local biodiversity .
Characteristics of the variety
📅 Flowering : June
📏 Height : 200 cm
🌱 Spacing : 150 cm
☀️ Exposure : Sun, partial shade
🌿 Life cycle : Perennial
🌾 Soil type : Loamy to clayey, well drained
💧 Soil moisture content : Medium to moist
🦌 Deer Resistance : Moderate
📦 Seeds per packet : 40
Sowing and cultivation
📏 Sowing depth : 10 mm
🌡 Germination time : 25 days
❄️ Cold stratification : 90 days
⚡ Scarification : Sanding of the seeds followed by a 24-hour soaking
🔹 Indoor method (recommended for efficient germination) :
1️⃣ Lightly sand the seeds to weaken their protective coating.
2️⃣ Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours .
3️⃣ Place the seeds in a moist substrate ( sand, perlite or vermiculite ) and refrigerate them for 90 days .
4️⃣ After stratification, sow the seeds 10 mm deep in well-drained potting soil.
5️⃣ Maintain constant humidity until germination (about 25 days ).
🔹 Outdoor method :
🌿 Sow directly in the fall to allow natural stratification during the winter.
💧 Make sure the soil is well drained but remains moist .
🌱 Once well established, red hart dogwood grows quickly and becomes an excellent ground cover to prevent erosion.
Medicinal and culinary uses
💊 Medicinal properties
The bark and roots of the red-eared dogwood are traditionally used for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties .
Ecological roles and utilities
🐝 A pollinator magnet : Its nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects .
🐦 A food source for wildlife : Its small white fruits are very popular with birds at the end of the season .
🏞️ A natural soil stabilizer : Its dense root system limits erosion of banks and slopes .
🍂 A four-season ornamental shrub : Its bright red bark in winter adds color to landscapes.
Companion plants
🌿 Speckled alder, goldenrod, blue flag, sand rye
Enemy plants
🌿 None known
Why grow red-hart dogwood?
🌱 A decorative and ecological native shrub
🐝 A refuge and food source for pollinators and birds
🏞️ Ideal for bank stabilization and erosion prevention
🍂 Colorful foliage and bright red bark in winter
🌿 Add the Hart-Rouge dogwood to your landscaping to beautify your garden and support local biodiversity!
