dogwood

Dogwood (Cornus 'Rutgan' STELLAR PINK) should be watered about once a week, giving it around 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) of water. Water deeply, allowing the soil to become slightly moist but not soggy. Be sure to water the soil at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage. During the hottest months in summer, the plant may need to be watered more often.

Dogwood (Cornus 'Rutgan' STELLAR PINK) plants need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. If possible, provide 7-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Morning sunlight is preferred; but if morning sunlight is not available, try to provide extra sunlight during the middle to late afternoon. Dogwood plants can tolerate partial shade in the warm summer months, but prolonged shade will eventually weaken the plant.

For pruning Dogwood (Cornus 'Rutgan' STELLAR PINK), it is best to prune in late winter or early spring, depending on your local climate. Pruning should not exceed more than 1/3 of the total growth, as to not shock this slow-growing shrub. The overall structure of the branches should remain, particularly for young plants, so pruning should be done very lightly, removing only dead, damaged, or diseased branches. If pruning to shape and size is done, it should be done in stages over a few seasons, rather than all at once. Regularly giving the Dogwood (Cornus 'Rutgan' STELLAR PINK) small prunings of no greater than 1/3 will keep the plant looking attractive and healthy.