Cornus sericea Sunshine - Red Osier Dogwood

Cornus sericea (or stolonifera) 'Sunshine' is a variety of spreading dogwood that is interesting for its golden foliage that turns red in autumn and its colourful stems, which are visible in winter after the leaves have fallen. Its spring and summer leaves range from pale yellow to chartreuse green, sometimes even variegated with green in the centre. In autumn, they turn a vibrant flaming red before falling, revealing burgundy-red stems. Clusters of pretty white flowers appear in summer, followed by white berries. This upright bush fits perfectly in a minimalist design, a wild garden, or a damp and wooded area.

Cornus sericea belongs to the cornaceae family, just like its Asian cousin, Cornus alba, with which it shares many characteristics. Native to eastern North America, from Alaska and Newfoundland to Virginia, this stoloniferous dogwood, also known as silky dogwood because of the presence of a downy coating on the undersides of its leaves, is extremely hardy but does not tolerate heat or dry soils. In the wild, this species rapidly spreads through stolons and colonises wet banks and marshy areas.

The 'Sunshine' cultivar stands out for its golden foliage and red winter stems. The bush has an upright habit that slightly spreads with age, and will reach an average height of 2 to 3 metres with a corresponding spread if not limited in its lateral growth. It bears opposite, oval, lanceolate, 5 to 10 cm long, strongly veined leaves, ranging from soft yellow to chartreuse, which turn a vibrant red in autumn and then fall to reveal burgundy-red branches. The flat white flowers, 3 to 5 cm in diameter, are not very conspicuous and give way to white or bluish berries, which are quite decorative but are quickly eaten by birds.

Cornus sericea 'Sunshine' is an excellent choice to bring brightness to the garden in winter and provide ornamental interest all year round. It can be planted as a standalone specimen in a small garden, as a background plant in borders, or in large groves with other varieties of coloured stem dogwoods, as well as with Florida dogwoods, for a superb mix of colours. Its vibrant branches contrast with the dark or bluish foliage of conifers and accompany the spring blooms of azaleas, pieris, and rhododendrons in acidic soil. For a structured and interesting garden all year round, 'Sunshine' can be used as a border plant in a mixed hedge, combined with bamboo, choisya, nandina, or camellia. If the soil in your garden is occasionally waterlogged or poorly drained, this bush will be a good choice.