Dogwood

Location

For flowering dogwoods, choose morning sun or bright filtered shade with protection from intense afternoon sun. Allow room for mature branching.

Planting & Soil

Plant in fall through early spring. Use moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter. Dig a hole twice as wide and one and a half as deep as the root ball. Mix ⅓ pine bark fines, ⅓ Black Kow compost, and ⅓ native soil. Set the root flare slightly above soil level and mulch away from the trunk if applying.

Watering

Water deeply after planting. For spring planting, water thoroughly after planting and 2-3 times weekly for the first three weeks. For fall or winter planting, water thoroughly after planting and once a week until spring bud break. Maintain even moisture during the first 1–2 growing seasons, especially in summer heat; avoid saturated soil. Established trees benefit from watering during drought.

Fertilizing

Do not fertilize automatically at planting. If growth is weak after the first year, or a soil test indicates a need, apply a modest amount of slow-release, acid-loving fertilizer in early spring, such as for azaleas and rhododendrons.

Pruning

Prune minimally, ideally just after spring flowering. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing wood; avoid heavy pruning and damage to the trunk.

Care needs vary with weather, soil drainage, and planting location.