Why plant Audubon® Native Silky Dogwood?
In late summer or early fall, you’ll look forward to the appearance of fruit on your Silky Dogwood. Each year, this fun native Accent produces a crop of jewel-tone berries that progress from porcelain-blue to cobalt as they ripen. You won’t enjoy the show for long, however, because as soon as they’re ready, a feeding frenzy will ensue! It has been estimated that the fatty, high-energy fruits are relished by at least 45 species of birds—among them, robins, cardinals, catbirds, and Cedar Waxwings. If you live in the country, ducks, turkeys, and quail will join in on the feast. An avian favorite.
Everyone knows about the famous Flowering Dogwood Tree and its beautiful blossoms and bird-pleasing fruits. But there are many other, lesser-known native Dogwoods that serve wildlife as well. Silky Dogwood is a shrubby cousin to Flowering Dogwood that is found all over the Northeast and Midwest. Silky Dogwood’s creamy-white flowers open in late spring. They aren’t as flashy as those of Flowering Dogwood, but they are more appealing to pollinators. All sorts of bees and other buzzing things will visit them. Silky Dogwood is also a host plant for the darling little spring azure butterfly. You may discover it laying eggs around the time the flowers bloom..
How to use Audubon® Native Silky Dogwood in the landscape?
The Silky Dogwood likes moisture at its feet, so it usually grows near ponds or wetlands. Likewise, it’s ideal for a pond’s edge or marshy area on your own property, or simply for a low spot in your yard that drains slowly. Grow it en masse for maximum wildlife appeal!
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 5-8
How To Plant Audubon® Native Silky Dogwood
Turn a boring ditch into a wildlife oasis! Light shade rather than all-day sun is best for Silky Dogwood, especially when planting it in drier soils or in hot-summer areas. Given these conditions, this easygoing Accent is typically simple to maintain and trouble-free. It is a medium to fast grower.
How To Water
Just like in the wild, Silky Dogwood is happiest when it has access to constant moisture. If you don’t have a soggy spot in your garden, though, have no fear. With some irrigation during extended dry spells, it will still perform admirably.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.
How To Prune
Pruning in early spring (or at any point during the dormant period) encourages new growth to produce a denser plant. You can prune to maintain a desired shape as well - they respond well to pruning!