Troubleshooting
Red Osier Dogwood problems — and how to fix them
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Dogwood twig blight (Discula spp.)
Fungal blight causes dieback of young shoots, especially in humid conditions or crowded plantings; improve air circulation and prune out infected stems in dry weather.
Scale insects (cottony maple scale)
Cottony white masses on stems indicate scale infestation; treat with horticultural oil in late spring when crawlers are active.
Fading stem colour
Older wood loses its red pigmentation; rejuvenate every 2–3 years by cutting one-third of the oldest stems to the ground in late winter to stimulate bright new growth.
Prevent red osier dogwood problems before they start
Most red osier dogwood issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for red osier dogwood in general rather than its problems? Read the full red osier dogwood care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Red Osier Dogwood problems — FAQ
Why is my red osier dogwood dogwood twig blight (discula spp.)?
Fungal blight causes dieback of young shoots, especially in humid conditions or crowded plantings; improve air circulation and prune out infected stems in dry weather.
Why is my red osier dogwood scale insects (cottony maple scale)?
Cottony white masses on stems indicate scale infestation; treat with horticultural oil in late spring when crawlers are active.
Why is my red osier dogwood fading stem colour?
Older wood loses its red pigmentation; rejuvenate every 2–3 years by cutting one-third of the oldest stems to the ground in late winter to stimulate bright new growth.