Dwarf dogwood, also known as red-tipped dogwood, is a small compact, mounded shrub reaching 2 to 3 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide. New leaves emerge purplish-red and leaf tips remain red as the rest of leaf matures to green. In late spring, abundant clusters of slightly fragrant flowers attract butterflies. The mature black fruit are a favorite of birds. Use in a group or as a low hedge.
- Family (English) dogwood
- Family (botanic) Cornaceae
- Tree or plant type Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Low-growing shrub (under 3 feet)
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Occasional drought, Occasional flooding
- Season of interest late spring, early summer, late summer, early fall
- Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
- Shape or form Mounded, Round
- Growth rate Slow
