Red Osier Dogwood Cuttings (Cornus sericea)

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) – Premium Bright Red Stems for Cut-Flower Fillers & Holiday Designs

Flower farmers and cut-branch growers: Stock up on this fast-growing native shrub for a reliable supply of long, straight, vibrant red stems that are a floral market favorite. These bold, fiery branches shine as dramatic fillers, accents in bouquets, wreaths, centerpieces, and winter/holiday arrangements—commanding premium prices when fresh and locally grown.

These harvested red stems pop against evergreens and neutrals—perfect for seasonal sales!

Why Grow Red Osier Dogwood for Cut Stems?

• High-Value Winter Filler: Bright red young stems are sought after by florists for their intense color and natural texture—ideal for holiday wreaths, vase displays, and mixed bouquets.
• Quick Turnover: Rapid growth means harvestable stems in 1–2 years. Annual hard pruning (coppicing) produces abundant, vivid new shoots for high yields.
• Year-Round Farm Appeal: White spring flowers for pollinators, white berries for birds, and red-purple fall foliage—plus eco-story for sustainable branding.
• Low-Input Crop: Thrives in moist/wet soils (great for marginal land), spreads naturally, and requires minimal care once established.

Choose Your Starter Option: Bareroot or Cuttings – Both Available! We offer healthy bareroot plants (rooted seedlings/transplants) and unrooted cuttings—pick what fits your scale and budget. Note: ask us about bulk pricing.

• Bareroot Plants – Faster Path to Harvest Ideal for growers scaling up quickly or wanting maximum reliability. These are established young plants (typically 1–3 years old) that arrive dormant and ready to plant.

Key Benefits:

• • Higher success rates (often 90%+ in suitable conditions) vs. variable rooting from cuttings.
  • Establish faster—produce marketable stems 1–2 years sooner.
  • Stronger early vigor, better drought/flood tolerance, and uniform growth for consistent stem quality.
  • Skip rooting steps—no indoor setup needed. Plant directly in the field during dormancy. Perfect if time and reliability matter more than upfront cost.

• Cuttings – Budget-Friendly & Easy for This Species Much cheaper per unit—great for experimenting, large-volume planting, or growers comfortable with propagation. Red osier dogwood cuttings root readily (often "almost foolproof" in moist soil).

Key Benefits:

• • Significantly lower cost—maximize your planting numbers on a tight budget.
  • Simple to root: Use the dishpan/water method indoors or stick directly into moist ground/field.
  • High rooting potential without hormones in ideal conditions (moist, sunny spots help).
  • Cost savings outweigh potential slower starts for patient growers.

Many farmers start with cuttings for low-risk trials, then upgrade to bareroot as they expand. Both options lead to the same beautiful, high-demand stems!

Growing & Harvest Tips for Max Stem Production

• Zones: 2–7 (super cold-hardy).
• Mature Size: 6–9 ft (prune annually to keep compact and productive).
• Light: Full sun for brightest red color and densest stems; tolerates part shade.
• Soil/Water: Moist to wet, adaptable—excels in low/wet areas.
• Planting: Space 3–4 ft apart for thickets; bareroot in early spring/fall, cuttings anytime in dormancy.
• Care: Water first year. Coppice (cut to 6–12" in early spring every 1–3 years) for fresh, bright growth.
• Harvest: Cut in late fall/winter when color peaks; new post-prune shoots are the most vivid.

Red Osier Dogwood delivers eye-catching, profitable stems while boosting your farm's biodiversity and sustainability cred. Whether you choose bareroot for speed or cuttings for savings, start building your winter filler inventory today. Limited stock—order now for next season's harvest!