While the garden is still in deep hibernation, the Japanese dogwood heralds the approaching spring with bright yellow flowers. After the ornamental tree gave way to other plants throughout the summer, a furious finale follows in autumn with wonderfully colored leaves and fiery red fruits. Are you still having questions about cultivating a Cornus officinalis? Then delve into the professional answers here, directly from gardening practice.

The Japanese dogwood bears attractive cherries in the fall

How to properly plant Japanese dogwood

Nurseries offer the Japanese dogwood as a container plant with heights of 40 to 200 cm. This has the advantage that you can put the ornamental tree in the ground all year round, as long as it does not freeze. How to do it right:

  • Place the potted root ball in water until no more air bubbles rise
  • Dig a planting pit with double to triple the volume of the root ball
  • Add compost, horn shavings (€32.93) and, if necessary, some sand to the excavation
  • Plant the potted shrub so that the soil ball is flush with the garden soil
  • Water generously and mulch with leaves, grass clippings or bark mulch

If it is a single-shoot young plant that is being raised into a tree, drive a support stake into the planting hole. Connect the stake and trunk with a wide binding material that does not cut into the young bark.

care tips

Until a Japanese dogwood has become well rooted in the ground, regular water supply is the focus of care. In later years, the normal amount of rain covers the demand. Only when it is dry in summer do you water the ornamental tree thoroughly once or twice a week by running the garden hose for 20-25 minutes. In autumn, the plant gratefully accepts a portion of compost with horn shavings (32.93€). In addition, dead branches are cut off at the base every 1 to 2 years so that the light can reach all regions of the bush and crown. If necessary, cut the well-tolerated Cornus officinalis into shape immediately after flowering, bearing in mind that this measure will sacrifice part of the fruit decoration.

Which location is suitable?

It is in the nature of things that a sunny location will motivate the Japanese dogwood to profuse flowering. In partially shaded locations, the late winter flowering is somewhat more sparse. Thanks to the stable wooden structure, the chosen place can be a bit windy. A Cornus officinalis does not make any special demands on the soil, because it thrives in any normal garden soil.
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The right planting distance

The Asian ornamental tree takes on an impressive volume under your loving care. As a shrub, a growth width of 300 cm is not uncommon if you allow it. A tree can easily reach a height of 7 meters if you do not put a stop to it with appropriate pruning measures. We therefore recommend a planting distance of 3-4 meters.

What soil does the plant need?

In terms of soil conditions, a Japanese dogwood is undemanding. It is satisfied with a place in normal, freshly moist to moderately dry soil. A high nutrient content is an advantage, supplemented by vital soil life with plenty of humus.

When is flowering time?

After a mild winter, you can see the bright yellow umbels of flowers from afar. With every step that brings you closer to a Japanese dogwood, the sweet scent fills your nostrils. By now, at the latest, you should be able to hear the busy buzzing of happy bees and bumblebees looking forward to the early nectar buffet. The blossom spectacle lasts until April.

Properly cut Japanese dogwood

As an early bloomer, cut back a Cornus officinalis immediately after the flowering period, if the wood goes beyond the planned dimensions. Of course, pruning is not absolutely necessary, because the harmonious growth habit develops by itself. However, you should not do without annual thinning out during the leafless period. So that the bush or the crown does not bare from below, remove dead wood, diseased and stunted shoots and branches pointing inwards.
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Watering Japanese Dogwood

The Asian flower beauty prefers even soil moisture, without swings in the direction of dryness or waterlogging. If the rainfall does not cover the need, water whenever the surface has dried. A 5-6 cm thick layer of mulch makes a valuable contribution to maintaining sufficient soil moisture.

How to fertilize Japanese dogwood properly

So that the Asian cornus has enough energy for the longed-for flowering in late winter, fertilize the wood in early autumn. Between the end of August and mid-September, work about 3 liters of compost onto the surface of the root disk; ideally supplemented with horn shavings. Spray the organic material with comfrey manure. The potassium it contains naturally strengthens winter hardiness.

hibernate

Freshly planted, a Japanese dogwood does not yet have the robust frost hardiness of an adult specimen. We therefore recommend winter protection in the first year. Pile leaves, compost and needle brushwood onto the root disk. Cover the young twigs with a breathable fleece.

Propagating Japanese Dogwood

In view of the quite expensive purchase of young trees, the uncomplicated propagation methods come in very handy. Choose from the following approaches:

  • Cut non-flowering top cuttings in March and root them in the pot
  • Pull the sinker to the ground, cover the middle part with soil so that a root system forms
  • In winter, cut off the cuttings to plant them directly in the ground or in a pot for rooting

In contrast, the sowing of the seeds is complex and delicate. Since they are cold germs, a cold stimulus is required to arouse the germ mood. Last but not least, seedling-propagated Japanese dogwoods take 5 years or more before the first flower appears.

Is Japanese Dogwood Poisonous?

Although the fruit is safe to eat, a Japanese dogwood is not entirely safe. The leaves are covered with extremely fine hairs that can trigger allergies if they come into contact with the skin. Therefore, wear appropriate long-sleeved clothing and gloves for all planting and care work.

Are the fruits edible?

You will not like the red fruits freshly picked from the tree. Rather, the tart, sour taste pulls your palate together. This shortcoming is eliminated when boiled down into jam, marmalade, compote or syrup. The addition of plenty of sugar transforms the fiery red berries into a refreshing fruit treat.
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Trees