How to Start a Wild Dogwood Tree
Dogwoods, abundant in the wild in the southeastern part of the United States, are synonymous with spring. Many species of dogwood (Cornus floridata) present white, pink and deep red blossoms in March and April.
Dogwoods flourish in United States Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. They are disease and drought tolerant, adaptable to many climate and soil conditions. The fast growing dogwood is a welcome addition to urban landscapes and cottage gardens. Dogwood trees can be easily started from seeds or cuttings.
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Instructions
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Cut sturdy, undamaged twigs from the dogwood tree after the tree has dropped its flowers. Cuttings should be made from new growth only. Choose twigs that are about the thickness of a pencil. Discard any cuttings that are not pliable or are woody. Cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long. Immediately place cuttings in water while preparing the potting mixture.
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Prepare a potting mixture of equal parts of potting soil, organic compost and peat moss. Mix well.
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Place the mixture in small pots or containers. Styrofoam cups may be used if a hole is punched in the bottom of the cup for drainage.
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Trim the cuttings, leaving one or two leaves at the top of the twig, strip leaves off the remaining length of the cutting. Cut the bottom of the twig at an angle below a node and treat with a commercial rooting hormone before planting, following package instructions.
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Insert the cutting into the soil mixture to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Tamp the soil down gently to hold the cutting in place, but do not pack down.
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Water well. Cuttings should be kept evenly moist, but not soggy.
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Place cuttings in a humid and warm spot with filtered sunlight. A green house environment is ideal, but not necessary.
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Remove plants from their containers and plant in a sunny spot in the garden when firmly rooted.
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Tips & Warnings
Deer love to browse on tender new seedlings. Protect your new garden additions with chicken wire cages.
