Overview

Enhance your landscape with this offering of five Silky Dogwood bare root seedlings, each standing at an impressive 1-2 feet tall. Known botanically as Cornus amomum, the Silky Dogwood is a robust and beautiful deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States. These Cornus amomum seedlings are perfect for gardeners looking to establish a resilient and attractive plant that provides multi-season interest. The plant gets its name from the silky hairs found on its leaves and twigs, adding a unique texture to your garden. As a valuable component of many ecosystems, Silky Dogwood plays a crucial role in supporting local fauna, making it an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly garden or naturalized area. Its adaptability and charming features make it a favorite for diverse planting schemes.

Key Benefits

Investing in Silky Dogwood bare root plants brings a multitude of benefits to your outdoor space, from aesthetic appeal to ecological contributions. These versatile shrubs are a fantastic addition to any garden:

• Attracts Wildlife: The small blue drupes produced by the Silky Dogwood are a favorite food source for many bird species, and its dense growth provides excellent cover. Planting these bare root dogwood shrubs helps create a thriving habitat.
• Showy Flowers: In late spring to early summer (typically May to June), the plant produces clusters of showy yellowish-white flowers, adding a burst of color and attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Erosion Control: Silky Dogwood has a fibrous root system and a tendency to form thickets, making it an effective choice for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion along stream banks or slopes.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, these shrubs are relatively low-maintenance, tolerant of various soil conditions, and resistant to many common pests and diseases.
• Seasonal Interest: Beyond its flowers and fruit, the rusty-brown fall foliage provides additional visual interest, ensuring your garden remains vibrant throughout the seasons.
• Native Plant: As a native plant, Silky Dogwood is well-adapted to local climates and ecosystems, requiring less intervention and supporting biodiversity.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Silky Dogwood bare root seedlings is straightforward, ensuring they establish quickly and thrive in your garden. These resilient shrubs are adaptable, but providing optimal conditions will lead to the best growth and display. For sunlight, Silky Dogwood prefers full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best flowering and fruiting. While tolerant of various soil types, it thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It naturally occurs in wetlands and along water bodies, indicating its preference for consistent moisture. Ensure the soil remains consistently damp, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.

When planting your Cornus amomum seedlings, dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the spread of the roots and deep enough so the crown is at soil level. Spread the roots out gently, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. A layer of mulch around the base can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Silky Dogwood is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Fertilization is generally not necessary in rich soils, but a balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring if growth appears sluggish. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches, manage size, or encourage a bushier habit. Pay attention to signs of pests or diseases, though Silky Dogwood is generally robust. Proper care will ensure your bare root dogwood plants flourish.

Size & Details

This offering includes five Silky Dogwood bare root seedlings, each measuring 1-2 feet in height upon arrival. These bare root plants are dormant and ready for planting, offering an economical and effective way to establish new shrubs. Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that can reach a mature height of 10-16 feet (3-5 meters) and a similar spread if left untended, often forming dense thickets. It typically blooms between May and June, producing its characteristic yellowish-white flowers, followed by striking blue drupes in late summer. These plants are shipped in their dormant state, optimizing their chances for successful transplanting and vigorous growth in your garden. The wildlife shrub will begin to leaf out and grow once planted and provided with adequate water and sunlight.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big do these Silky Dogwood bare root seedlings get? A: These seedlings are 1-2 feet tall when shipped. Mature Silky Dogwood bare root shrubs can grow up to 10-16 feet tall and wide, often forming dense thickets.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: Silky Dogwood is an outdoor deciduous shrub. It is best suited for planting in gardens, naturalized areas, or as part of a hedge or border.
• Q: How much sunlight do these Cornus amomum seedlings need? A: Cornus amomum seedlings thrive in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering.
• Q: Are these plants easy to care for? A: Yes, Silky Dogwood is considered a relatively low-maintenance shrub once established. It’s tolerant of various soil types and generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a good choice for beginners.
• Q: What condition will the bare root dogwood plants arrive in? A: The plants will arrive as dormant, bare root seedlings, typically with their roots wrapped to maintain moisture during transit. They are ready for immediate planting upon arrival.
• Q: When is the best time to plant Silky Dogwood bare root seedlings? A: The best time to plant bare root dogwood seedlings is in early spring, after the last frost, or in the fall before the ground freezes.
• Q: What USDA hardiness zones are suitable for Silky Dogwood? A: Silky Dogwood is hardy and adaptable to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
• Q: Do these shrubs attract wildlife? A: Absolutely! Silky Dogwood is an excellent wildlife shrub. Its berries are a food source for birds, and its dense growth provides shelter and nesting sites.
• Q: How long until the Silky Dogwood blooms? A: While growth varies, established Silky Dogwood plants typically begin to bloom in late spring to early summer, usually between May and June, producing showy yellowish-white flowers.
• Q: What kind of soil does Silky Dogwood prefer? A: Silky Dogwood prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, as long as it doesn’t stay waterlogged.