{"product_id":"silky-dogwood-shrub","title":"Silky Dogwood Shrub","description":"\u003ch1 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eSilky Dogwood Shrub (Cornus amomum)\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe Silky Dogwood is a versatile, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub that brings exceptional seasonal interest and structural integrity to the landscape. Named for the soft, velvety hairs that coat its young branches and the undersides of its leaves, this native beauty transitions effortlessly through the seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eIn late spring, it produces flat-topped clusters of creamy-white blossoms that contrast beautifully against its dark green foliage. By late summer, these flowers mature into striking porcelain-blue berries that are an absolute magnet for local songbirds. As autumn arrives, the leaves turn a rich, purplish-maroon, eventually dropping to reveal deep red winter twigs that provide a brilliant pop of color against a drab winter backdrop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe Ecological Footprint\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWildlife Sanctuary:\u003c\/b\u003e A premier ecological powerhouse, offering high-quality nesting habitat for songbirds and critical pollen for native bees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Berry Buffet:\u003c\/b\u003e Produces distinctive blue drupes that serve as a vital, nutrient-rich food source for dozens of bird species migrating in late summer and autumn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eErosion Champion:\u003c\/b\u003e Exceptional at stream bank stabilization; its aggressive, fibrous root system tightly binds soil together to prevent washing away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWetland Wonder:\u003c\/b\u003e Naturally thrives in riparian zones, swamps, and wet meadows, making it perfect for managing stormwater or soggy areas on your property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe Honest Harvest (What to Expect)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Perks:\u003c\/b\u003e Highly adaptable to wet and heavy clay soils, boasts beautiful multi-season color changes, displays excellent shade tolerance, and is incredibly easy to grow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Caveats:\u003c\/b\u003e Can spread over time via lower branches touching the ground and rooting (layering), which may require occasional boundary maintenance if you want to keep it contained. It is not well-suited to hot, dry, sandy upland environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/b\u003e Cornus amomum\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/b\u003e Silky Dogwood, Swamp Dogwood, Silky Cornel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/b\u003e 6–10 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Width:\u003c\/b\u003e 6–10 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/b\u003e Fast (12–24 inches per year)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e 20–30 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUSDA Zones:\u003c\/b\u003e 4–8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eChill Hours:\u003c\/b\u003e *\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"15\"\u003eSun Preference:\u003c\/b\u003e Full sun to partial shade (tolerates full shade well)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Moist, rich, poorly drained soils; thrives in heavy clay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/b\u003e Adaptable (5.0–7.0)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/b\u003e High to moderate; prefers consistently moist to wet conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/b\u003e Creamy white; late spring to early summer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFruit Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Small, showy blue berries (drupes); late summer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePollinators:\u003c\/b\u003e *\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\" data-index-in-node=\"15\"\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/b\u003e Multi-stemmed, rounded, spreading shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/b\u003e 6–8 feet apart for a dense hedge or screen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLandscape Uses:\u003c\/b\u003e Rain gardens, stream bank stabilization, native naturalizing, wildlife gardens, privacy screens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaintenance Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Low to moderate (requires occasional thinning if containment is desired)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHydration:\u003c\/b\u003e Saturate the planting area thoroughly before setting the shrub into the ground, and maintain consistent moisture during its initial settling phase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSiting:\u003c\/b\u003e Choose a location that mimics its natural woodland or wetland habitat—areas that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or spots where the soil stays naturally damp are ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMulching:\u003c\/b\u003e Apply a thick 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to lock in ground moisture and mimic the natural forest floor, keeping the mulch clear of the main stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eEstablishment:\u003c\/b\u003e Ensure the shrub receives regular, deep waterings during its first two growing seasons. Unlike many shrubs, it welcomes wet feet and will not suffer from occasional standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePruning:\u003c\/b\u003e To maintain its bright red winter stem color, prune out about one-third of the oldest, graying wood down to the ground each year in late winter. This encourages vibrant new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFertilization:\u003c\/b\u003e Generally unnecessary. If your soil is exceptionally poor, a light top-dressing of organic compost in early spring will provide all the nutrients it needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ATM Gardens","offers":[{"title":"1-2ft","offer_id":51439443771687,"sku":"ST07I1","price":41.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/9094\/0711\/files\/SILKYDOGWOOD12.jpg?v=1779926504","url":"https:\/\/atmgardens.com\/products\/silky-dogwood-shrub","provider":"ATM Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}