Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi'

Cornus sericea 'Kelseyi': Compact Dogwood with Bold Winter Colour

'Kelseyi' is a dwarf selection of red-osier dogwood that brings the same vibrant winter stem colour to smaller garden spaces. Its upright, twiggy form reaches just under 1 metre, making it ideal for tight borders, low hedging, or foundation plantings. In summer, clean green foliage fills in nicely, and in winter, bare stems reveal striking red bark that glows against snow and evergreens. It's a low-maintenance native shrub that delivers quiet impact across all seasons.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Spread: 90–120 cm (3–4 ft)
• Flower Colour: White (occasionally blooms in spring)
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer (minimal)
• Foliage: Green, turning reddish-purple in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained; tolerant of wet soils and clay

Uses and Benefits: 'Kelseyi' is perfectly suited for small-scale landscapes, rain gardens, and mass plantings where winter interest and erosion control are desired. It offers wildlife value, slope stability, and bold seasonal colour in a manageable form. A reliable performer in urban and rural settings alike.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun for best stem colour. Water regularly during establishment. Prune one-third of the oldest stems in early spring to promote new, colourful growth. Tolerates periodic wetness and cold climates with ease.

History: A compact cultivar of the North American native Cornus sericea, 'Kelseyi' was selected for its reduced size and vivid stem colour, making it ideal for design flexibility and small-space planting.

Final Thoughts: With all the winter impact of red-osier dogwood in a fraction of the space, 'Kelseyi' is a smart solution for modern, cold-climate landscapes.