dogwood

Dogwood (Cornus 'Rutfan' STARDUST) plants should be watered once a week, or whenever the top 2 - 3 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. To ensure the plant gets enough moisture, water the soil until it is moist but not soggy. Try to avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other disease issues. In hotter climates, an additional deep watering twice a month may be necessary. Once established, Dogwood (Cornus 'Rutfan' STARDUST) is somewhat drought tolerant, so water only when the soil has become very dry.

Dogwood (Cornus 'Rutfan' STARDUST) needs full sun for at least 4 to 6 hours a day in order to thrive. This plant species requires lots of direct sunlight for the majority of the day, thus it is best suited for a spot in the garden that experiences long periods of full sun exposure. It is also important to note that the sun needs to be strong enough to penetrate through a tree canopy or foliage without being blocked. Dogwood (Cornus 'Rutfan' STARDUST) needs full sun to promote a healthy growth pattern and stunning, star-shaped blooms.

Dogwood (Cornus 'Rutfan' STARDUST) is best pruned in late winter or early spring (late February or March). It is important to prune selectively to maintain the beauty of the tree's branches and its naturally pleasing form. Start by removing dead and damaged branches, including crossing branches that rub against each other and any diseased branches. Additionally, minor branch pruning to shape the tree is ok, but should be done judiciously. Dogwood trees do not require heavy pruning, so take care to only prune what is necessary. Finally, use only sanitized pruning tools to minimize the spread of diseases.