tatarian dogwood

Tatarian Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Kesselringii') should be watered regularly but lightly, making sure to avoid waterlogging the surrounding soil. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. During hot, dry periods, during the spring and summer months, you may need to water more often. During cooler, wetter weather, you may need to water less often. If you are not sure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and water the dogwood more often.

Tatarian dogwoods need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight in order to thrive. For best results, they should receive several hours of morning sun followed by a few hours of afternoon shade. Planting your Tatarian dogwood in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily will help it develop an attractive, full shape and vibrant foliage. While Tatarian dogwoods can survive in shady conditions, the overall vibrancy of the plant will be reduced.

Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba 'Kesselringii') should be pruned in late winter or early spring each year. Pruning can either be done all at once in 1 session or divided into several sessions during the dormant season. When pruning, care should be taken to minimize disturbance to the roots and to remove any dead, diseased or damaged branches. Remove no more than 1-third of the total branches in a single pruning session, working from the inside of the plant outwards. Also, very thin or weak branches should be thinned out to promote new growth and air circulation through the crown of the tree. Sprouts that appear along the trunk should also be removed. You can also do major pruning if necessary as it won't affect the health of the plant, however, it will slow down growth and reduce flowering.