Cornus - Dogwood

Fabulous red-barked dogwood Cornus available online now!

They will grow in any soil conditions and are able to thrive in damp conditions where other shrubs might not. All Cornus species will tolerate full sun or partial shade, but for the shrubby varieties the winter stem colour is more prominent when grown in full sun. The creeping dogwood, Cornus canadensis, needs moist, acid soil conditions to thrive.

During the first 2-5 years after planting, when the shrubs are establishing themselves in your garden you need to water thoroughly especially during dry spells. Shrubby Cornus should be pruned back hard every 1-3 years in early spring and flowering cornus requires little pruning beyond the removal of lower branches as the tree matures if you wish to create a clear trunk. This is best done while the tree is dormant between autumn and early spring.