red twig dogwood

Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Allemans') should be watered deeply once or twice a week during the spring and summer months when temperatures are consistently warmer and rainfall is less frequent. During the hotter summer months, watering more frequently is the best way to avoid stress on the plant. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, but never wait so long that the plant begins to wilt. During the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild, water only when the plant is dry to the touch and the soil looks dry. During winter months, water only when the weather is particularly dry and the soil is quite dry.

Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea 'Allemans') prefers full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight per day) or partial shade, especially in the southern United States. This variety can tolerate more shade than some other varieties, as it is relatively tolerant of difficult growing conditions. This means that it will stay green and flowering even in shadier areas, however, it will still benefit from some direct sunlight. If planted in a shadier area, the woody stems will be scelerotic (pale) and the growth more sparse.

Red twig dogwood should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring. Pruning should only be done after the plant has gone dormant in winter and before growth begins in spring. Pruning should involve removing old and damaged stems, crossing or rubbing branches, and any twigs that are growing towards the center of the plant. Cut back at least 1-third to 1-half of the existing stems to the ground, as this will help encourage new growth, as well as promote strong and compact branching. Be sure to wear protective gear while pruning.