Pruning guide
How to prune common dogwood
More common dogwood care
- How to prune dogwood — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Full common dogwood care guide
- Common common dogwood problems & fixes
- How to propagate common dogwood
- When to repot common dogwood
Pruning common dogwood — FAQ
When should I prune common dogwood?
Late winter to early spring before growth starts. Cut all or most stems to within 15–30 cm of the ground every one to two years for the best stem colour. For a more natural hedge or wildlife planting, remove only one-third of the oldest stems per year. Remove suckers outside the desired footprint as they appear.
How often does common dogwood need pruning?
Annually to every 2 years (coppice); or rolling one-third renewal annually. Common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a vigorous, suckering native shrub prized for autumn berry, leaf colour, and winter stem colour. Coppice or stool it in late winter to keep stems young and colourful. Without pruning it becomes a large, untidy thicket — regular hard cutting keeps it productive and ornamental.
How do you prune common dogwood?
Cut all or most stems to within 15–30 cm of the ground every one to two years for the best stem colour. For a more natural hedge or wildlife planting, remove only one-third of the oldest stems per year. Remove suckers outside the desired footprint as they appear.