Tatarian dogwoods need regular watering. During the first year, water thoroughly about once a month during the growing season, and be sure to give it enough water so that it can establish a healthy root system. During the second year, water once a week during the growing season, ensuring that the soil is kept moist and that the roots of the plant don’t dry out. In the third year and beyond, watering gradually decreases to once every 2 to 3 weeks, only adding more water if the top few inches of soil is dry. Watering should occur in early morning or late evening - this will prevent any water or fertilizer from evaporating in the sun, potentially burning the leaves.

Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba) grows best in areas with partial sunlight, including morning or late afternoon sun. This species of plant enjoys 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is important to note that Tatarian dogwood does not thrive in areas with full sunlight all day and becomes overly dry if left in direct sunlight for too long. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting Tatarian dogwood in full sun during the hottest part of the day (10am-2pm). Too much direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch, which can damage the leaves of the plant and reduce its lifespan.

Tatarian dogwood (Cornus alba) should be pruned in the late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Pruning should focus on removing dead, dying, or diseased branches, and trimming back long shoots and crossing branches. The plant should not be pruned too heavily, however, as it can reduce flowering for the following year. Pruning out some of the older stems can also improve flowering the following season. It is important to use sharp and properly sterilized pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant.

Colourful-stemmed dogwood for winter interest and informal hedges.

Red-stem dogwood (Cornus alba)

Red-stem dogwood (Cornus alba)

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