Creek dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a large deciduous shrub that can spread aggressively in the wild under favorable conditions. I don't have room for it in my backyard, so I chose to grow it in a large wine barrel with an underplanting or yerba buena (Satureja douglasii). It is highly suitable to container life, where its size can be held in check and its moderate water requirements met with the help of drip irrigation. The creek dogwood is attractive in spring with its fresh green leaves and white/cream flowers. However, this plant truly shines in the winter when it has shed its leaves exposing the attractive red limbs.
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| December 2014 |
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| after a rain |
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| March 2014 |
