Red dogwood, cut it right back now in the first year?

crosseyedsheep

I planted a row of red dogwood along the edge of a border. I want to keep it so that it looks something like this each winter. At the moment each plant has about 2 or 3 whips and are about 3 or 4 feet tall, So I'm wondering should I cut it right back now, there are already buds beginning to come out. or should I maybe leave it for the first year?

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Xeyedsheep

GPI · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 3:38 pm Post subject:

I would give it at least a year to settle in, it won't be a big job next year to cut it back anyway.

FYI..... the two theories on pruning the red dogwood......

1. Pruning can be carried out in March on Cornus alba, it should be pruned back hard to within a few inches of the base thus creating a plentiful supply of fresh red shoots next season.

2. Pruning can be carried out in March on Cornus alba, One third of its oldest stems should be pruned back hard to within a few inches of the base thus creating a supply of fresh red shoots next season. This avoids leaving a gaping hole in the shrub border for a time.
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crosseyedsheep · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:49 pm Post subject:

That's great, thanks GPI.
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