Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi' - Kelsey Dwarf Red-Osier Dogwood

Kelsey Dwarf Red-Osier Dogwood is a magnet for wildlife. The white flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, while the small white berries that follow are a food source for birds and small mammals. The dense foliage also provides shelter for wildlife, making this plant a valuable addition to naturalized gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

• Seasonality: Deciduous; loses its leaves in winter.
• Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer (May-June)

🏡 Foundation and Border Plantings

• With a mature height and width of 2–3 feet, Kelseyii is perfect for front-of-border or low-maintenance foundation plantings.
  
• Adds year-round interest with green summer foliage, red stems in winter, and white spring flowers.
  

🛤 Edging or Low Hedges

• Naturally compact and dense—can be used to define walkways, garden beds, or small hedging along patios or driveways.
  

❄️ Winter Interest Gardens

• Bright red stems stand out in dormant winter landscapes.
  
• Ideal in massed plantings for bold seasonal color.
  

💧 Rain Gardens and Moist Sites

• Thrives in moist to wet soils, making it excellent for bioswales, rain gardens, or low spots prone to saturation.
  

🐦 Wildlife Gardens

• Produces berries and dense structure that attracts birds for food and shelter.
  

🪴 Small-Space Landscapes and Courtyards

• Compact size is ideal for urban or suburban spaces where larger red-twig dogwoods would be overwhelming.
  
  

The leaves are medium green, ovate in shape, and grow densely on the stems. In the fall, the foliage turns vibrant shades of red and purple, adding seasonal interest. The leaves provide a striking contrast to the bright red stems that are most visible after the leaves drop in winter.

Kelseyi produces small clusters of creamy white flowers in late spring, which are highly attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. While the flowers are not particularly showy, they add subtle beauty to the plant and later give way to white berries that provide food for wildlife.

• Planting Season: Best planted in early spring or fall to allow the roots to establish before the growing season or winter dormancy.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers rich, well-drained soil that remains consistently moist. It can tolerate a variety of soil types, including clay, but performs best in loamy or sandy soils. Amending the soil with organic matter helps improve moisture retention.
• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart for dense coverage or use as a groundcover.

Planting Instructions:

1. Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter.
2. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
3. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with the soil surface.
4. Backfill with soil, tamp gently, and water thoroughly.
5. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning is minimal for Kelseyi. To maintain the brightest red stem color, prune older stems back in early spring before new growth begins. Remove one-third of the oldest stems each year to encourage new growth. Light shaping can also be done to maintain a tidy appearance.

Kelseyi thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish deep roots. Afterward, keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells. This plant can tolerate occasional wet conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage.

Performs best in full sun to partial shade. For the brightest red winter stems, plant Kelseyi in full sun where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In shadier spots, the plant will still thrive but may have less vibrant stem color.

The bright red stems of Kelseyi are often harvested for use in winter floral arrangements. To harvest, cut the stems in late fall or early winter when their color is most vibrant. These stems can be used fresh or dried for long-lasting decorative displays.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage. A second light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain plant vigor. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth at the expense of stem color.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, reduce weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Kelseyi is relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to leaf spot or powdery mildew in overly humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation to prevent these issues.
• Winter Care: This plant is cold-hardy and requires no special winter protection. The bright red stems provide visual interest throughout the winter months.

Insect-pollinated, especially by bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.

Self-fertile, so no second variety is needed for pollination or fruiting.

Kelseyii pairs well with plants that thrive in moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It benefits from both color contrast and textural diversity.

🌿 Textural and Foliage Pairings

• Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’ – fine-textured grass adds soft movement and contrast.
  
• Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ or ‘Palace Purple’ – dark foliage enhances the brightness of red twigs and green leaves.
  
• Hakonechloa macra – ornamental grass for part shade with golden or green foliage.
  

🌺 Moisture-Loving Bloomers

• Astilbe spp. – showy summer flowers, thrives in the same moisture conditions.
  
• Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) – perfect for rain gardens or near ponds.
  
• Lobelia cardinalis – bright red blooms and a favorite of hummingbirds.
  

🏞 Winter Backdrops

• Thuja occidentalis or Taxus spp. – evergreen background enhances red twig visibility in winter.
  
• Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea' – yellow-twig variety planted nearby provides winter color contrast.