Silky Dogwood

Silky Dogwood is a wildlife-friendly native shrub that offers multi-season interest and excellent performance in moist soils. Growing 6 to 10 feet tall, it forms a dense, rounded thicket with broad, green leaves that turn a warm reddish-purple in the fall. In late spring to early summer, clusters of creamy white flowers bloom, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. These flowers give way to bright blue berry-like drupes by late summer, which are a favorite of songbirds and small mammals.

Its suckering habit and dense branching structure provide shelter and nesting sites for birds, while its strong root system makes it a natural choice for erosion control along wetland edges, streams, and rain gardens.

Why choose Silky Dogwood?

• Bird Magnet: Blue fruit clusters are irresistible to birds like robins, waxwings, and catbirds.
• Pollinator-Friendly: Flowers support early-season bees and butterflies.
• Great for Wet Sites: Thrives in consistently moist soils and stabilizes banks.
• Ecological All-Star: Offers food, cover, and structure for a range of wildlife species.
  

Maintenance Tips

• Best in Moist Soil: Performs well in wet to average soils; ideal for streambanks, rain gardens, or low-lying areas.
• Prune After Fruiting: Pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain shape and encourages healthy growth.
• Spreads by Suckers: Allow it to form thickets or control its spread with occasional root pruning.
• Low Fertility Tolerant: Generally doesn’t require supplemental fertilizing unless soil is extremely poor.
  

• Thrives in moist conditions; water regularly to maintain wet or consistently moist soil.
• Prune in late winter to early spring to shape the shrub and remove any dead or damaged branches.
• Prefers fertile, well-drained soils but is adaptable to various soil conditions, including occasional wetness.
• Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Monitor for pest issues and diseases, such as dogwood anthracnose, and treat as necessary to maintain plant health.