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A Compact Cutie with Versatility
A brand new McKay Introduction! Unlike typical dogwoods on the market today, the Great Plains™ Silky Dogwood nativar shrub that maintains a compact size, making it ideal for modern landscapes where space may be limited. This shrub grows to a manageable size of 3’ x 4’, making it perfect for borders, pollinator gardens, or as a foundation planting. It can be planted in full sun to partial shade, another testament to its adaptability.
A Showstopper in Every Season
The Great Plains™ Silky Dogwood offers year-round beauty in the landscape.
● Spring: Creamy white blooms adorn the shrub, which attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. This shrub transforms your garden into a lively, buzzing haven.
● Fall: As the weather cools, the foliage bursts into a fiery palette of oranges and reds, creating a stunning autumn display.
● Winter: After the leaves fall, its smooth, subtle stems add texture and interest to the winter landscape.
Perfect for Native Plant Enthusiasts
As a nativar, the Great Plains™ Silky Dogwood provides excellent support for local wildlife of the Great Plains region. Its versatility in its native growing zones make it a wonderful choice for those looking to embrace sustainable gardening practices. It thrives in growing zones 4-8.
Why Choose the Great Plains™ Silky Dogwood?
This unique shrub combines the best of beauty, function, and adaptability:
● Compact Growth: Perfect for small spaces or those seeking lower-maintenance landscapes.
● Pollinator-Friendly: An essential resource for supporting local ecosystems.
● Seasonal Versatility: Provides year-round visual interest and beautiful seasonal transitions.
- Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
3' x 4' 
Bloom Season:
Spring
- Attracts Birds
- Native
- Winter Interest
- Low Maintenance
- Rain Gardens
- Walnut Toxicity Resistant
- Attracts Butterflies
- Attracts Pollinators
Planting & Care for Great Plains™ Silky Dogwood
Preparation
- Great Plains™ Silky Dogwood prefers full sun to partial shade. Ensure it gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for best foliage color and growth.
- This shrub thrives in well-draining soil but can tolerate various soil types, including clay or sandy soils. Add compost or organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content.
- The best time to plant is in the spring or early fall. This gives the shrub enough time to establish its roots before the extreme temperatures of summer or winter.
- Space multiple plants up to 4 feet apart to give them room to grow and provide airflow to prevent diseases.
- Hardiness zone 4.
Opening Plant Material
- Container - Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until stops bubbling, then remove the plant from the container.
Planting Containers
- Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides.
- Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
- With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
- Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
- Place the root ball in the hole.
- Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
- Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer
- Back-fill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
- Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
- Water frequently when newly planted.
Pruning - After Planting
- Container - Although it is not essential for container plants to be pruned after planting, a light pruning to remove any broken branches during shipment and improve shape will help the looks of your new planting.
Pruning - Throughout the Season
- Prune late winter to early spring - While pruning isn't necessary for this dogwood, to encourage bright red stems, annually prune a third of oldest stems to six inches, leaving strong young whips. Pruning can improve this plant's overall compact shape and form throughout the years.
- If you choose, you can give it a light prune in the summer to keep it looking fresh.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as oft en as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
Watering - Throughout the Season
- After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.