Propagating twig dogwood

Yellow or red twig dogwood are a great addition to any garden. They provide four seasons of interest, with late-spring blooms, red to purple fall color, and vibrant stems that brighten even the greyest of winter days. They are also a key plant for attracting birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

The twig dogwoods require very little maintenance, other than an annual to bi-annual pruning. Each March, the plants can be brought down by 1/3, or every other year they can be cut to the ground. This severe pruning rejuvenates the plants and stimulates the regrowth of new, more vibrantly colored stems.

Twig dogwoods are easily propagated by a number of methods. Firstly, you can pin a branch to the ground, and in short order, roots will develop where the stem rested on the ground. Then, simply trim off the stem, dig the rooted segment, and then plant in your desired location. The other options are to save your cuttings from your annual March pruning, and place them either in a glass of water, or trim to six to eight inches and push into a moist potting soil. In just a few weeks, you should see roots begin to develop. For greatest success, use the youngest, most vibrantly colored stems for rooting. Once roots have developed, plant your new twig dogwoods.

There is no need to amend the new planting hole, unless your native soils are particularly poor. The twigs dogwoods will thrive in moist soils, in part-sun to full shade. Depending on the variety, they can grow anywhere from 3’ to 10’ tall.