Red Twig Dogwood Cornus alba Baton Rouge = 'Minbat' (PBR)

Water

The Tatarian Dogwood, commonly referred to as Red Twig Dogwood, should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the first growing season, it's important to maintain consistent moisture, so watering once a week with approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant is advisable, depending on the weather conditions. Once established, Red Twig Dogwood is quite drought-tolerant and may require less frequent watering, perhaps every two to three weeks if there is no significant rainfall. During hot summer months or dry spells, increase the frequency, ensuring the top few inches of soil don't dry out completely.

Light

Red Twig Dogwood thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least four hours of direct sunlight daily, making a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade ideal. This plant tolerates a wide range of light conditions, but for optimal foliage and stem color, full sun is preferred.

Temperature

Red Twig Dogwood is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to around -30°F and is comfortable in the heat of summer as long as it is well-watered. Ideal growing conditions would maintain temperatures between 50°F and 75°F for optimal growth and health.

Pruning

Prune Red Twig Dogwood in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts to encourage vibrant stem color and maintain plant shape. Remove about one-third of the oldest stems each year, cutting them back to the ground to stimulate the growth of new stems, which display the best color. Thinning out some of the center branches can improve air circulation, which is essential for the overall health of the plant.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Baton Rouge') thrives best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A soil mix with loam, organic matter or compost, and a component to improve drainage, such as perlite or coarse sand, is ideal for ensuring healthy growth.

Repotting

Red Twig Dogwood should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent it from becoming root-bound and to replenish soil nutrients. Always ensure that the new pot is slightly larger than the old one.

Humidity & Misting

Red Twig Dogwood prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to a range of conditions. Aim for humidity levels consistent with its natural outdoor environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use bright indirect light, moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun to part-shade, moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  2-7 USDA

Life cycle

Cornus alba 'Baton Rouge', commonly known as Red Twig Dogwood, begins its life cycle from seed or vegetative propagation. After germination, the plant enters a juvenile vegetative stage, during which roots, stems, and leaves develop rapidly. As it matures, it progresses to the flowering stage, producing small white blossoms that are often followed by clusters of white to blueish fruits. Post-flowering, the plant focuses energy on fruit and seed development for reproduction, while the distinctive red stems that give 'Baton Rouge' its name become prominent in fall and winter. The plant then goes into dormancy during winter, conserving resources. With the return of spring, the cycle restarts with new vegetative growth, completing its annual cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-summer

• The Cornus alba 'Baton Rouge' is commonly known as the Red Twig Dogwood, and its popular method of propagation is through hardwood cuttings. This process typically occurs in late fall or early winter when the plant is dormant. You would take a cutting of about 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 centimeters) from a healthy, mature stem, ensuring that several buds are present. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a well-draining potting mix, with about two-thirds of its length buried in the soil. The cutting should be kept in a cool but frost-free location with high humidity and indirect light until roots have developed, which usually takes several months. Once rooted, it can be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden.