Regular pruning of dogwoods is not mandatory yearly; learn our expert tips on handling your winter stems.
Sprucing Up Your Winter Border: The Colorful Dogwood Guide
Embrace the charm of winter with dogwoods (Cornus). These beauties are a must-have for your winter border due to their vibrant, multi-colored stems. Imagine the striking display of red, orange, yellow, or bright green stems against the winter sunlight, especially when planted in mass numbers near water.
More to Explore
- Flowering Dogwood Champions – Discover the top picks for blooming dogwood trees.
- The Art of Coppicing – Master the technique of coppicing shrubs and trees.
- Hazel Coppicing & More – Learn how to coppice hazel for exquisite shrubs and supportive plant structures.
Pair dogwoods with the ghost bramble (Rubus cockburnianus or R. thibetanus) for contrast, and add a delightful touch to your border with early spring bulbs such as snowdrops, Cyclamen coum, and crocus.
Lately, gardeners have become quite zealous with coppicing or pruning dogwoods, hoping to achieve those coveted colorful stems. However, it's crucial to remember the importance of timing and not to overdo it too early in a plant's life span for optimal results.
Dogwoods cultivated for colorful stems differ from those preferred for their summer flowers. For more information, read our feature on the best flowering dogwoods.
Learn the Pruning Secrets of the Colorful Dogwood
The secret behind showcasing the best of dogwoods lies in patience. Allow your dogwoods to develop and mature for three to four years before you attempt your first pruning.
When to Prune
Prune your dogwood during late winter or early spring, usually in February or March, before the plants begin new growth. Thin stems can typically be managed with a good pair of sharp secateurs, but for thicker stems, employ a small, sharp pruning saw. Avoid using long-handled loppers as they can harm the ends of the cut stems, leading to dieback and rot.
Cut back to around 7-10cm from the ground. This technique encourages better new growth shape. Don't forget to mulch after pruning for added nourishment. For more insights on coppicing, read our guide on hazel coppicing.
Every Other Year: Stunning Colorful Stems
Cut back hard every other year for optimal colorful stems.
First 3-4 Years: Wait and Watch
Before your dogwood matures and establishes itself, refrain from pruning.
Winter Pruning: Keeping Your Dogwood Compact and Colorful
Prune your dogwood during winter to maintain a compact shape and ensure gorgeous colorful stems the following winter. Aim for a clean, smooth stool to encourage healthy new stem growth. Cut back around 7cm to 10cm from the ground.
The Following Winter: Enjoy Those Rich Stems
Wait a year, and your dogwood will produce dense new stems after a summer of growth. Once the leaves fall, admire their rich color without the need for immediate pruning.
The Following Winter: Hard Pruning
After waiting a year, prune your tree with a hard cut to promote rejuvenation and strong colorful new stems for the upcoming winter season.
- Incorporate more elements into your home-and-garden and lifestyle by pairing dogwoods with ghost bramble and early spring bulbs for a more colorful display.
- For those seeking the top picks for blooming dogwood trees, delve into the world of Flowering Dogwood Champions.
- To ensure the best display of colorful dogwood stems, follow a pruning schedule that offers a balance between patience and timing, adopting the techniques of coppicing or pruning, and using the right tools such as secateurs, pruning saw, and avoiding loppers.
