dogwood

Dogwood (Cornus drummondii) should be watered once a week during summer months, and twice a month during the winter. During the hot summer months, water the soil around the dogwood deeply every week, until the water runs off the soil surface and there are no more water puddles on top of the soil. During the cooler winter months, water the plant’s soil deeply every 2 weeks, ensuring the water reaches the root zone. To ensure the soil around the dogwood retains moisture, consider adding a layer of mulch, such as leaves or grass clippings.

Dogwood requires a minimum of 4 to 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight every day in order to thrive. This should be during the morning or at least before the sun gains too much intensity, as dogwood is not able to take full sun all day long. However, too much shade can reduce the flowering of the species, resulting in less impressive displays. When positioning your plant, make sure to step back and check light levels from multiple angles throughout the day to ensure it is getting enough light.

Dogwood (Cornus drummondii) should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be kept to a minimum and should only be done to improve the size and shape of the shrub. When pruning, only 1-third of the older stems should be removed in order to maintain the plant’s vigor and health. All pruning cuts should be done above a leaf node, and any broken or dead branches should be removed. Dogwood should not be heavily pruned, as this can cause stress and decrease flowering.