A red twig dogwood shrub provides beautiful winter color, but Cornus sericea is also a fast grower that can quickly get out of control. Read on to learn how to prune red twig dogwood bushes that have outgrown their space.
Pruning An Overgrown Red Twig Dogwood Shrub
Rejuvenation pruning is a way of cutting back neglected and overgrown shrubs. One plant that responds well to this type of pruning is the red twig dogwood shrub. It’s easy to tell when these bushes have been ignored because their radiant red stems turn woody and gray. Only young, new growth is that vibrant shade that brightens up the winter landscape.
Timing is very important for proper pruning. You should cut summer blooming shrubs, like the red twig dogwood shrub, in late winter or early spring before buds open.
An easy way to remember when to prune red twig dogwood bushes is sometime after the Super Bowl but before St. Patrick’s Day. Of course, bloom times vary depending on location, so check your growing zone before making any cuts.
Other bushes that respond well to rejuvenation pruning are spirea, lilac, privet, viburnum, weigela, and forsythia. But spring flowering shrubs like weigela and forsythia bloom on old wood, so wait until flowers have faded to make cuts on spring bloomers.
Dogwood Rejuvenation Pruning
There are two ways to prune for rejuvenation. The first method is a three year process, but allows your dogwood to maintain its height and some blooms. Each year, cut back one third of the old, woody branches. Trim any branches that are growing down, towards the center, or crossing other limbs.
Always make sure to use clean, sharp tools. Dirty tools can spread disease between plants and dull loppers make pruning red twig dogwood bushes with thick, woody stems difficult.
The second method is not for the faint of heart. If your red twig dogwood shrub is totally out of control, it’s time to prune branches to the ground. For an extensive rejuvenation pruning job, cut branches as close to the ground as you can. Don’t be afraid – your shrub will grow back happier and healthier!
New growth will appear during the growing season and by next winter, your red twig dogwood will have bright red stems.
-
Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats? Here’s How To Protect Your Felines And Avoid TroubleAre snake plants toxic to cats? A good rule of thumb is to simply keep the plant where kitty can’t get to it.
-
How To Create Bright Indirect Light For HouseplantsCreating a space with bright indirect light is a way to mimic the native habitat of many houseplants. Make indoor plants comfy with the right kind of light.
-
8 Flowering Shrubs You Must Prune Before Winter Ends For Maximum Blooms This SummerMany summer-flowering shrubs should be trimmed before winter ends, so don’t wait. Get out there on a sunny day and prune your shrubs for more flowers and healthy growth in spring and summer.
-
7 Must-Sow Flower Seeds For February To Ensure A Dazzling Summer GardenDon't let the cold weather stop you from realizing your growing ambitions. These stunning flowers can all be started indoors in winter for breathtaking results.
-
Are Poinsettias Poisonous To Cats? What You Need To Know For Happy, Healthy FelinesThey have the potential to brighten up homes long after the holidays, but are poinsettias poisonous to cats? Make sure you read this before mixing the two!
-
Are Poinsettias Poisonous To Dogs? What You Need To Know To Keep Your Pooch SafeYou may adore their richly hued tones and textures, but are poinsettias poisonous to dogs? Don’t leave it to chance – we reveal how risky they are, and how to keep pets safe
-
Christmas Cactus Watering Guide: How Often To Water Plants For Better BloomsDiscover how often to water a Christmas cactus, how much, and how to avoid under and overwatering for healthy plants that flower reliably over the holidays.
-
Should You Cut Back Roses In The Fall? – When To Prune Your Prized Shrubs For WinterDiscover whether to cut back roses before the onset of winter – or to leave plants alone until spring.
-
Propagating A Thanksgiving Cactus: How To Grow More Plants For FreeEffortlessly propagate your Thanksgiving cactus with simple stem cuttings or root division, to create healthy new plants that burst with vibrant blooms year after year.
-
How Long Do Mums Last? Plus, How To Make Chrysanthemum Flowers Last LongerChrysanthemums have the potential for enduring displays as we enter the quieter months of the year. But how long do mums last? Here’s how to maximize your fall blooms
