How to Grow Red Twig Dogwood

Once you see snow-covered red twig dogwood you will want to add this shrub to your own garden. Growing from 6 to 10 feet high, this shrub native to Indiana features white blooms in May and June followed by white berries that are favorites of birds. The summer brown branches turn bright red when cold weather begins. Add this winter wonder to garden with these easy steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Red twig dogwood
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Choose your planting site. Remove any existing plant material and debris.

2. Dig your planting hole at least 4 times the width of the root ball and deep enough so that the root ball is level with the surrounding area.

3. Remove the plant from the container by gently tapping on the ground and easing the plant out of the container. If the Red Twig was purchased with burlap covering the root ball, cut at least half of the burlap off the root ball exposing the roots. Remove any twine or wire.

4. Fill the planting hole with water and allow the soil to absorb. "Watering in" is an important step to ensure that water reaches the plant roots immediately and help prevent shock.

5. Place the shrub in the planting hole and backfill some of the original soil to secure the plant. Make sure the dogwood is straight.

6. Backfill the remaining soil into the planting hole and gently tap down. Water deeply.

7. Spread mulch or other organic material over the entire planting area. At least 2 to 3 inches is required to help control weeds and maintain soil moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut branches of the shrub in winter to add color and interest to your holiday greens. A tall vase filled with the bright red branches alone is also a festive touch.
• Red Twig Dogwood in combination with ornamental grasses provide color and interest to the winter garden.
• While this plant prefers a full sun location, it will do well in partial shade also.
• This dogwood grows naturally along streams and other wet areas. If you have a wet soil area in your landscape, this shrub is a good plant choice.
• Red Twig Dogwoods are striking in the winter garden when planted in groups of 3 or 5. Be sure to allow at least 5 feet between shrubs.
• Red twig dogwood grows well in Zones 5 and 6 and is a native Indiana shrub. But, always check the plant tag and the U. S. Hardiness Zone map to make sure your plant is suitable for your area.
• It is important to severely cut back Red Twig Dogwoods every 2 years. Use loppers to prune the shrub to the ground in the early spring. This maintenance will keep the shrub at a manageable height and will encourage new growth.
• Red Twig Dogwood spreads through root suckers. When planted in moist soil or swampy areas, it can fill a planting area in a short time. Even branch tips that touch the ground can take root.