Dogwood (Red-stemmed) Growing Guide

Cornus species, Cornus stolonifera, Cornus sericea, Cornus siberica, Cornus alba

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Moist, well-drained soil enriched with plenty of compost or other organic matter.

Position

Full sun to part shade.

Frost tolerant

Most dogwoods can tolerate cold to -29°C (-20°F ). Has low tolerance for summer heat.

Feeding

None generally needed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 2.00m (6' 6") each way (minimum)
Rows: 2.00m (6' 6") with 2.00m (6' 6") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Set out purchased plants from autumn through to spring, as long as your soil is not frozen. Container-grown plants can be transplanted until early summer, but may shed some leaves if set out under stressful conditions. Water young plants regularly, and cover the root zone with an organic mulch to keep the soil moist at all times. Dogwoods become more drought tolerant after the plants are well rooted. The row spacing shown is for tightly-grown hedges.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Birds love the berries in winter.

Harvesting

Delay pruning until late winter or early spring to preserve stems which turn bright red or yellow, depending on species, providing beautiful contrast against white snow. Cut back hard to stimulate the production of next year’s brightly coloured stems.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Dogwood (Red-stemmed)

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail