Caring for Common Dogwood

Common dogwood is a low-maintenance shrub once established, tolerating neglect better than most ornamentals. Water newly planted shrubs regularly during their first spring and summer, especially in dry spells, to help roots establish. After the first year, watering is rarely needed except during prolonged drought; the plant's moderate water requirement and tolerance of heavy soils mean it copes well with typical British rainfall. Feed in March or April by scattering a handful of general-purpose granular fertiliser (such as Growmore or blood, fish, and bone) around the base and lightly forking it into the soil surface. A top-up mulch of garden compost or well-rotted manure in March also provides slow-release nutrients and helps suppress weeds. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote soft growth at the expense of stem colour. This shrub is fully hardy (zone 4a–8b) and needs no winter protection. In fact, winter is when it earns its keep: the bare red stems are most striking from November to February. No special overwintering measures are required. Pests and diseases are uncommon. Occasionally aphids cluster on soft shoot tips in late spring, but these rarely warrant treatment and are quickly dealt with by ladybirds and other predators. Leaf spot fungi can cause cosmetic browning in damp summers, but this doesn't affect plant health. Remove and bin affected leaves if it bothers you; good air circulation helps prevent it. Renew the mulch layer each spring, keeping it clear of the stems to avoid rot. That, an annual prune if desired, and a light feed are all this undemanding native requires.