mountain dogwood

Mountain dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) should be watered once every 7-10 days with about 1 inch of water per application. During especially hot weeks, consider adding a second inch of water on the tenth day to ensure the plant is getting enough moisture. Always monitor the soil moisture of the mountain dogwood and adjust the watering schedule as needed. During the growing season (spring and summer) the mountain dogwood should be watered more frequently than during the dormant season (fall and winter).

The amount and timing of sunlight that mountain dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) need can vary depending on the species and the growing conditions. Generally, this species of dogwood prefers to grow in part shade or dappled shade in moist, well-drained soil. If planted in a sunny location, it needs some afternoon shade, especially during its younger years to prevent leaf scalding. It should receive a minimum of 4 hours of sunlight a day, but preferably more. Early morning and late afternoon sunlight tend to be the best times to receive the light the plant needs.

Mountain dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) should be pruned in late winter or early spring before it breaks dormancy. Pruning of this species should be minimal, and should only be done to remove dead or damaged branches and to maintain a desired shape. Pruning can also be done to promote flowering and fruit production. When pruning, make sure to cut back the stems to just outside of the bud and at a slight angle. Avoid cutting too close to the bud, as this may damage the plant. Depending on how much pruning is done, the entire plant may need to be shaped rather than a single branch at a time.