“Twigs plants” are a unique category of ornamental plants valued for their vibrantly colored or textured stems, especially during the dormant winter months. As deciduous plants shed their leaves, their striking branches become a focal point, offering visual interest and a much-needed splash of color. They transform the garden into a dynamic display, enhancing year-round garden aesthetics.
Popular Twigs Plants
Among the most recognized of these plants is the Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea), renowned for its bright red stems that intensify in color during winter. Popular varieties include ‘Arctic Fire’, a compact form (3 to 5 feet tall and wide) with intense dark red stems, and ‘Baton Rouge’, a cultivar with vivid red stems and a compact, bushy habit.
Beyond red, other twig plants offer diverse hues. The Yellow Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’) features bright greenish-yellow to golden stems, creating a striking contrast. This multi-stemmed shrub reaches a mature height of 5 to 6 feet. The Coral Bark Willow (Salix alba ‘Britzensis’) exhibits orange to red bark on its first-year stems, providing a warm glow.
Cultivating Vibrant Twigs
Achieving vibrant twig color depends on specific cultivation practices, with pruning being particularly important. Younger stems produce the brightest color, while older stems tend to dull. Pruning is essential to encourage continuous new growth and is best done in late winter or early spring, before new leaves emerge.
There are two primary pruning methods to enhance stem color. One involves removing up to one-third of the oldest stems at ground level annually, stimulating fresh, brightly colored growth. Alternatively, the entire plant can be cut back almost to the ground every two to three years; this technique is called coppicing or stooling. Coppicing involves cutting the plant down to a ‘stool’ or living stump, typically less than 8 inches from the ground, which promotes vigorous new shoots. This method ensures a continuous supply of young, colorful stems, though it means sacrificing any flowers or berries that would form on older wood.
Adequate sunlight also plays a role in stem coloration. Planting “twigs plants” in full sun to partial shade generally results in more vivid twig color, especially for red-stemmed varieties. While they can tolerate some shade, the intensity of the stem color may be reduced. These plants prefer moist, well-drained soil, though many tolerate a wide range of conditions, including wet or boggy areas. Regular watering is important during establishment, but mature plants can tolerate some dry spells. Fertilization needs are minimal; a slow-release fertilizer or compost can be applied in early spring.
Landscape Design with Twigs Plants
Incorporating “twigs plants” into a landscape design adds significant visual impact, particularly during the colder months. Their striking stem colors make them excellent focal points, drawing attention in dormant landscapes. Mass plantings of these shrubs can create a dramatic display, especially when viewed against a snowy backdrop.
These plants are also effective when used along borders, near water features, or in rain gardens, where their tolerance for moist soil is beneficial. Planting them against an evergreen backdrop, such as conifers, highlights their vibrant stem colors through stark contrast. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, some varieties, like dogwoods, produce berries that attract birds, adding an ecological benefit. The cut stems can also be used indoors for winter floral arrangements.