Red Twig Dogwood Cornus alba 'Ruby'

Water

The Red Twig Dogwood should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring that the water reaches the plant's deep roots. The frequency of watering depends on the soil moisture level and the weather conditions, but as a general rule, providing about an inch of water weekly during the growing season is recommended. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as excess water can cause root rot. In the dormant season, reduce watering, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.

Light

The Red Twig Dogwood thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a spot that receives at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily but also benefits from light shade during the hottest part of the day. Well-lit locations allow for the best stem color and flowering potential but avoid excessively hot and dry spots which might stress the plant.

Temperature

The Red Twig Dogwood is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive in temperatures as low as -30°F during dormancy in winter and can endure high summer temperatures as long as adequate water is provided. Avoid extremely hot conditions over 100°F as they can stress the plant.

Pruning

Pruning the Red Twig Dogwood is important to maintain its shape, encourage vibrant stem color, and promote healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, removing about a third of the oldest stems to ground level to stimulate new growth which produces the best color. Also, remove any damaged or diseased branches at this time. Annual pruning is generally sufficient to keep the plant looking its best.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Ruby') prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 5.5 to 7.5. A good soil mix for Red Twig Dogwood would consist of equal parts loamy garden soil, compost, and peat or coco coir to ensure good drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Red Twig Dogwoods are typically grown outdoors and do not require frequent repotting. They can be planted directly in the ground where they can spread their roots. If grown in a container, repotting might be necessary every 2 to 3 years to provide fresh soil and to accommodate the growing root system.

Humidity & Misting

Red Twig Dogwood thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. As a garden shrub, it does not demand specific humidity conditions, but it benefits from the natural variations in humidity found in its outdoor environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, keep soil moist, and ensure good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun, water regularly, and protect from extreme heat.

• Hardiness zone

  2-7 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus alba 'Ruby') begins with germination, where seeds sprout in the soil during spring after stratification. Seedlings then grow into juvenile plants, establishing a root system and beginning to grow leaves and stems. As the plants mature, they go through vegetative growth, producing vibrant red stems and green foliage. During spring and summer flowering stage, the shrub produces small white flowers, which are often followed by the development of white to bluish-white berries. The fruiting stage occurs in late summer to fall, attracting birds and other wildlife that feed on the berries. The plant enters dormancy during the winter months, with the leaves falling off, showcasing the stark, red stems which provide winter interest, before the cycle restarts with the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter - Early Spring

• The most popular method of propagating the Red Twig Dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus alba 'Ruby', is through hardwood cuttings. To do this, gardeners typically take cuttings from mature stems during late fall to winter when the plant is dormant. The cuttings should be about 6 to 9 inches long and contain at least two to three nodes. The bottom end of the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and then inserted into a well-draining potting mix or directly into the ground. The cuttings require consistent moisture and should be kept in a sheltered location with indirect sunlight. Roots generally begin to form within a few weeks to a few months, depending on environmental conditions.