How to Grow and Care for Common dogwood

Common dogwood, also known as European dogwood, Bloodtwig dogwood, Red dogwood, Houndberry tree, Dogberry

Common dogwood is known for being hardy and easy to care for, favoring temperate climates. A key special care point is to ensure common dogwood is planted in well-drained soil, which is essential for avoiding root rot. Furthermore, it benefits from annual pruning to maintain shape and encourage the growth of its distinctive colorful stems. Regular watering during dry spells will sustain its health, particularly in the growing season.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Common dogwood

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	5-8

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Varieties of Common dogwood

Common dogwood 'Anny's Winter Orange'

Common dogwood 'Anny's Winter Orange' is named for the fall and winter color of its leaves, which shade to a brilliant orange. This is a dwarf hybrid that grows to just 2 m compared to the 6 m height of its parent plant. This shrub is relatively innocuous for much of the year, but its winter brightness makes it worthy of consideration for year-round ornamental gardens.

Common dogwood 'Midwinter Fire'

The common dogwood 'Midwinter Fire' (Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire') is related to common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) but has firey yellow and red-tipped stems in the winter months and grows much smaller than its parent. Because of their colors and compact size, they are a popular choice for landscaping; their fruits also attract birds, but cannot be used for human consumption.

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More General Info About Common dogwood

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Quickly Identify Common dogwood

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Common dogwood is a vigorous shrub reaching heights of 8 to 15 feet (2.4 to 4.6 meters). Its distinctive red stems and twigs provide a burst of color in winter landscapes. In spring, the shrub boasts clusters of small, white flowers that are a magnet for pollinators. As seasons transition to fall, the foliage undergoes a striking change to greenish-purple or reddish-purple, before yielding to purplish-black drupes which ripen in late summer. The simple, ovate leaves are a dark green and key to its identification.