Dogwood

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Mr Grinch, Aug 30, 2012.

  1. Mr Grinch

    Mr Grinch Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jan 14, 2012
    Messages:
    1,123
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Rayleigh, Essex
    Ratings:
    +1,359
    Morning all,

    Ive planted four dog woods about a month ago and just wondered when i should give them their first hard prune ? Im looking to get the straight stems for winter interest.

    G
     
  2. Kristen

    Kristen Under gardener

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2006
    Messages:
    17,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Suffolk, UK
    Ratings:
    +12,671
    I prune mine in early March. You could do them a bit earlier, but they are still providing colour then - so depends what else you have either contrasting with them, or when the next batch shows some interest.

    Stick them in your veg patch or herbaceous border as pea sticks - you'll probably find a good proportion will grow, which you can then give away / sell / swap whatever :)
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • silu

      silu gardening easy...hmmm

      Joined:
      Oct 20, 2010
      Messages:
      3,682
      Gender:
      Female
      Location:
      Igloo
      Ratings:
      +8,083
      I prune mine a little later being in Scotland but totally agree with Kristen re timing for where you live. Hope you have planted Winter Flame which is lovely. Something at the back of my mind tells me that with both Winter Flame and the red stemmed varieties you need to be a bit less vigorous with pruning the plants when young in comparison to the yellow/green stemmed types.I have quite a few and it looks like I pruned mine to about 6 to 7 inches originally. The yellow stemmed ones I prune annually to near ground level.Also agree they are a cinch to get to root if you want more etc.
       
      • Like Like x 1
      • Mr Grinch

        Mr Grinch Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Jan 14, 2012
        Messages:
        1,123
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Rayleigh, Essex
        Ratings:
        +1,359
        cheers Kristan,

        Would you leave them a whole season to get established so prune March 2014 or will March next year be ok ?

        G
         
      • Mr Grinch

        Mr Grinch Total Gardener

        Joined:
        Jan 14, 2012
        Messages:
        1,123
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Rayleigh, Essex
        Ratings:
        +1,359
        Thanks silu !
        I will give it a go and stick some of the cuttings into the ground, might aswell :blue thumb:
        I bought one yellow stem, one green stem and two red stem ones. Sorry, totally forgotten their names :dunno:
         
      • Kristen

        Kristen Under gardener

        Joined:
        Jul 22, 2006
        Messages:
        17,534
        Gender:
        Male
        Location:
        Suffolk, UK
        Ratings:
        +12,671
        I would want a main stem getting on for as thick as my Thumb before I started "stooling" them annually. If the bush is 4' or 5' tall then that's big enough (if main stem is narrower)

        Just thinking out loud though ...
         
        • Like Like x 1
        Gardeners Corner is dependent on Donation to keep running, if you enjoy using Gardeners Corner, please consider donating to help us with our operating costs.
        Loading...

        Share This Page

        1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
          By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
          Dismiss Notice