Dogwood (Cornus) - sometimes also known as 'horn bush' - is by no means the same as dogwood: depending on the species, the wood grows as a shrub, small tree or even as ground cover. Provided the plant is in a suitable location, the plant is extremely easy to care for. In addition, the dogwood not only offers practical advantages, but is also a visual highlight. Many species score particularly well in autumn with their brightly colored bark, which bring color to the gray season.

The dogwood needs little attention

Do you actually have to water dogwood?

Whether and when you should water depends on the one hand on the form of cultivation - i.e. whether it is a container plant or a planted out specimen - on the respective weather conditions and on the specific dogwood species. Some dogwoods are quite moisture-loving and therefore have a high water requirement, while others like it rather dry. However, all dogwood species do not tolerate waterlogging.

When and with what should you fertilize dogwoods?

The situation is similar when it comes to fertilizing: Basically, dogwoods that prefer drought require little or no additional fertilizer, while species that love moisture have a comparatively high nutrient requirement. As a rule of thumb, dogwoods growing on acidic soils require more nutrients than species that grow on calcareous sites. But whatever the species, every dogwood benefits from a compost application in the fall.

Can you cut dogwoods?

Basically, pruning is not necessary, but most dogwood species (except for the pagoda dogwood) are very tolerant of pruning.

When is the best time for a pruning?

Dogwoods are best harvested during the leafless period, i. H. in early spring or autumn, to be pruned.

Which dogwood can also be cultivated in a bucket?

Cornus florida (American flower dogwood) and Cornus kousa (Japanese flower dogwood) are particularly well suited to being kept in a bucket, although each dogwood can be kept in a sufficiently large planter. However, they either have to be kept small by regular pruning or planted out after a few years.

Which diseases and pests can occur in the dogwood?

All dogwood species are considered to be very robust and not very susceptible to diseases and pests. Nevertheless, the wood can become diseased, especially if it is already weakened by improper care or an unsuitable location. Fungal diseases such as leaf scorch and powdery mildew are particularly common, as are pests such as mealybugs and aphids.

Is Dogwood Hardy?

Dogwood is usually very hardy and tolerates temperatures down to minus 20 °C without any problems.

tips

Even if dogwood is hardy in itself, specimens cultivated in tubs need winter protection.

Category:

Trees