Silky Dogwood

Plant in spring or fall near a water feature, pond edge, rain garden, or any consistently moist area. Silky dogwood is a native shrub that thrives in wet, poorly drained conditions where most other shrubs fail. No soil amendment is needed. Space plants 6–8 feet apart. Water well at planting. It establishes quickly in moist conditions and spreads gradually to form a naturalistic colony.

Prune in early spring to remove old wood and maintain a vigorous, well-branched habit. Silky dogwood provides outstanding wildlife value — the pale blue-white berries ripen in summer and are eaten by numerous bird species. The fall foliage turns attractive red-purple. Very adaptable and low maintenance in appropriate moist sites. No regular fertilizing is needed. An excellent native shrub for rain gardens and naturalized moist areas.