Common dogwood and Red osier dogwood are often considered for the same spot in the garden (hedge, screening, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Cornus sanguinea 3 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
Common dogwood is a tough native shrub of woodland edges: its white flower heads feed insects in early summer, the black berries feed birds, the…
Cornus sericea 2.5 m × 3 m after 10 years
A vigorous, multi-stemmed shrub grown for its winter stems: bright red in the species, yellow-green in the widely sold 'Flaviramea', while the dwarf…
Red osier dogwood grows faster than Common dogwood.
Red osier dogwood is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -29 °C for Common dogwood.
Common dogwood is cheaper: about €4.90 at the size usually planted, against about €7 for Red osier dogwood.
|
Feature
|
Common dogwood
|
Red osier dogwood
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 3 m × 2.5 m | 2.5 m × 3 m |
| Ultimate size | 2.5–4.5 m × 2–4.5 m | 1.5–3 m × 1.5–3 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Clay, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | May–June, white | May–June, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 150 cm | 150 cm |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €4.90 | approx. €7 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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