Dogwoods can grow into impressive shrubs and small trees, delighting gardeners with their vibrant fall foliage and sometimes edible fruit. In this guide, we explore the versatile dogwood and provide planting and care tips.
Cornelian Cherry
The flowers of the Cornelian Cherry appear as early as February [Photo: Picmin/ Shutterstock.com].
Robust dogwoods (Cornus) are highly adaptable and can be used in various landscaping designs. We offer tips on planting, propagating, and caring for dogwoods.
Dogwood: Origin and Characteristics
The dogwood, also known as the horned shrub, is part of the Cornaceae family. These hardy shrubs and small trees are native to temperate to subpolar regions of the Northern Hemisphere, where they grow in moist meadows, forests, and shrub hedges. Many species come from North America or East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and China. Native dogwoods include the Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) and the Bloodtwig Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea).
These perennial dogwoods typically grow to heights and widths of 2 to 6 meters, often forming multi-stemmed bushes. There are also ground-cover varieties. The leaves of dogwoods, in most cases, grow opposite each other along the stems and are lance-shaped or oval. Many deciduous species add color to the garden with bright fall foliage and striking yellow or red stems. Some dogwoods are evergreen, such as the Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus controversa).
Dogwood Flowers
Dogwood flowers appear in clusters or umbels, often surrounded by large white to pink bracts (modified leaves). These plants are highly attractive to bees and other insects due to their nectar-rich flowers. By late summer, the dogwood fruits ripen, which are generally edible drupes. For example, the fruits of the Asian Flowering Dogwood (Cornus kousa) and the Cornelian Cherry are used as wild fruit crops.
Dogwood Planting: Location, Planting Time, and More
Choosing the Right Location for Dogwoods Dogwoods thrive in full sun to partial shade, though the lower part of the trunk and root area should be shaded, cool, and moist. Most species prefer fresh, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Varieties like Cornus alba and Cornus sanguinea tolerate higher pH and limey soils.
Planting Procedure Dogwoods are best planted in garden beds, as they can grow into large shrubs or small trees. Ensure that there’s a distance of 3 to 6 meters between plants to allow for their spread. A mulch layer or low-growing underplants will help naturally shade the root zone and maintain soil moisture. Suitable ground covers include hepatica, ivy, catnip, coral bells, or epimedium.
Best Time to Plant Dogwoods The optimal planting time for dogwoods is in the fall, between October and November, after the leaves have fallen. New dogwoods primarily develop their root systems during this time and will show good growth in the following year. Alternatively, planting can be done in early spring, though careful watering is crucial in summer.
Care and Maintenance of Dogwoods
Dogwoods require minimal maintenance. Regular watering and ensuring good nutrition are vital for healthy growth. If planted in a pot or a new bed, watering should be frequent until the roots establish themselves.
Pruning Dogwoods Many dogwoods are pruned to shape, especially when used as hedging plants. Larger trees or shrubs need only occasional pruning to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Some species with colorful stems, such as Cornus alba, Cornus sericea, or Cornus sanguinea, can be pruned back each year to encourage new growth, which displays the brightest colors. The best time for pruning is in early spring, just before new growth begins.
Dogwood Propagation
Dogwoods can be propagated by suckers, cuttings, and seed. For softwood cuttings, take tips in the summer, while hardwood cuttings can be taken in autumn and rooted in a moist sand-soil mixture. Some dogwoods produce suckers, which can be separated and replanted in fall. Although seeds can also be used to propagate dogwoods, this method takes several years, as the seeds need a cold period before they can germinate.
Is Dogwood Toxic?
Certain dogwood species, including the native Bloodtwig Dogwood, have parts (bark, leaves, and roots) that are considered mildly toxic to humans and pets. However, they are not harmful to horses. The leaves of dogwood can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so it is advisable to wear gloves when handling them. Many dogwood fruits, such as those from the Cornelian Cherry and other fruiting varieties, are edible either raw or processed.