When to plant Common Dogwood?

Common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a robust native shrub that tolerates a wide range of conditions, making it straightforward to establish. Plant bare-root or container-grown specimens between October and March, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. December and February are ideal for bare-root stock, while container plants can go in at any time during the dormant season. Choose a site in full sun, partial shade, or even full shade—this adaptable shrub copes with all three, though autumn stem colour will be most vivid in sunnier positions. It thrives in loam, clay, or chalky soils and tolerates heavy, moisture-retentive ground better than most shrubs, making it useful for awkward damp spots. Prepare the planting area by removing weeds and digging in organic matter if your soil is very poor or free-draining. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and roughly the same depth. Position the shrub so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil—planting too deep can lead to stem rot. Backfill with the excavated soil, firming gently with your heel to eliminate air pockets. Space plants 250 cm apart if you're creating a hedge or informal screen; for a single specimen, ensure neighbouring plants won't crowd it as it matures to 200–400 cm in both height and spread. Water thoroughly after planting, even in winter, to settle the roots. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of well-rotted compost or bark mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stems themselves. No staking is usually necessary unless planting in an exceptionally exposed site.