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Irish Setter Gray Dogwood

Cornus racemosa 'Irish Setter'

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Irish Setter Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa 'Irish Setter') at Chalet Nursery

Irish Setter Gray Dogwood foliage

Irish Setter Gray Dogwood foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  12 feet

Spread:  12 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3

Description:

A showy shrub for general garden or massing use; white flower clusters in spring; deep marooon fall color; very adaptable and highly resistant to septoria leaf spot which is common in this species

Ornamental Features

Irish Setter Gray Dogwood has clusters of creamy white flowers at the ends of the branches in late spring. It has grayish green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding burgundy in the fall. The smooth bark and brick red branches are extremely showy and add significant winter interest.

Landscape Attributes

Irish Setter Gray Dogwood is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Suckering

Irish Setter Gray Dogwood is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Irish Setter Gray Dogwood will grow to be about 12 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a low canopy, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is an amazingly adaptable plant, tolerating both dry conditions and even some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden  Naturalizing 
Applications
Flowers  Fall Color  Bark  Winter Value  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features