Red-barked Dogwood in February: monthly care

Red-barked dogwood is a forgiving shrub that adapts to most soil types and positions, making it straightforward to establish. Plant bare-root or container-grown specimens from October to December or in February and March, avoiding periods when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Choose a spot in full sun or partial shade; while it tolerates shade, the best stem colour develops with good light exposure. This shrub thrives in loam, clay, or sandy soil and copes well with heavy or damp ground, making it useful for difficult spots where drainage is less than perfect. Dig a planting hole roughly twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth. Fork over the base to break up compaction, especially in clay, and mix a spadeful of well-rotted compost or manure into the backfill to improve soil structure and moisture retention. Set the plant so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill, firming gently with your heel as you go to eliminate air pockets, then water thoroughly to settle the roots. Space plants 200 cm apart if you're planting a group or informal hedge; red-barked dogwood will eventually reach 150–300 cm in both height and spread, so give it room to develop its natural arching habit. Apply a 5–7 cm layer of organic mulch such as composted bark or garden compost around the base, keeping it clear of the stems themselves. This conserves moisture and suppresses weeds while the shrub establishes. Water again if the weather stays dry over the first few weeks, but once settled this dogwood needs little coddling.