Red osier dogwood seeds, from the red twigged shrub Cornus sericea, are sold by specialty tree and shrub seed sellers, including TreeHelp's seed collection, which packs them 40 hand sorted seeds to a packet. The seed needs a 24 hour soak and 90 days of cold stratification, so it is often sown outdoors in fall and left for winter to do the chilling.

Why does red osier dogwood seed need a long cold period?

Because the seed is dormant when ripe. In many tree and shrub seeds, chemical inhibitors block sprouting until a long stretch of moist cold, called cold stratification, breaks them down, so germination waits for spring instead of starting before winter.

How are red osier dogwood seeds sown?

Either outdoors in fall or in spring after an indoor chill. Each fall, Red Osier Dogwood Seeds are soaked for 24 hours, sown 1/8 inch deep, tamped, and mulched so they sprout the following spring. For a spring start, the soaked seed spends 90 days in damp peat in the refrigerator first.

What does red osier dogwood offer in a garden?

Year round interest from a fast growing shrub that asks for little. Its red or dark purple stems stand out in winter, white flowers appear in early summer followed by small white fruit, and the leaves turn purple red in fall. It tolerates poor conditions and provides cover and food for wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does red osier dogwood spread?

Yes. It forms colonies through spreading root stolons, which suits banks and naturalized areas better than tidy beds.

How cold hardy is red osier dogwood?

Very. Its seed listing rates it for zone 3, and the shrub grows to about 10 feet.

Do other dogwoods need the same stratification?

Not always. Where red osier needs only cold, Giant Dogwood Seeds are held warm for 120 days before their 90 days of cold.

When are red osier stems most colorful?

On young growth, usually. Cutting out the oldest stems near the ground in late winter encourages new shoots with the brightest color.