|
Dogwood - Colorado Red Oiser
Colorado Red Osier Dogwood, Cornus sericea 'coloradensis', is a fast growing large shrub with white flowers in spring and then produces clusters of blue-white fruit in fall. Its green summer foliage turns red-purple in fall so you will enjoy its red twigs all winter. Colorado Red Osier Dogwood grows to about eight feet tall and spreads into a thicket by sending out root shoots. This plant is rugged, tolerating most soil conditions except for very dry soils. With additional water, growth rates of 3 to 4 feet per year are possible. It will even grow in wet, swampy conditions and may thrive in sun or shade. The Dogwood is good cover for birds and wildlife. For a screen or windbreak, plant 2 to 3 feet apart. ... additional information
Sweetshrub It features very fragrant, brown to reddish-brown flowers (2" across) which bloom at the ends of short branchlets in May. Flowers give way to brownish, urn-shaped fruits (seed capsules) which mature in fall and persist throughout the winter. Lustrous, dark green (pale beneath), ovate to elliptic leaves to 6" long turn golden yellow in fall. Leaves are aromatic when bruised. Also commonly called sweetshrub and strawberry bush because of the reference to the fragrant blooms which have been described as combining hints of pineapple, strawberry and banana. Another common name is hairy allspice which is in reference to the hairy twigs and leaf undersides of this plant. It is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It grows somewhat taller in shade than in sun, and it is tolerant of a wide range of soils, but prefers rich loam. Remove root suckers promptly if naturalization is not desired. Use as a specimen near front door, patio or other living areas where the fragrant flower aroma may be enjoyed. It is utilized for shrub borders, foundations, and native plant areas. |
|
