How to prune red-twig dogwood

Late winter to early spring, before new growth emerges. Each late winter, cut one-third of the oldest (thickest, dullest) stems to ground level. For a harder reset on overgrown plants, cut the entire shrub to within 15–20 cm of the ground — it regrows vigorously. This doubles as a wildflower companion for pollinator timing.

Annually (one-third renewal) or every 3 years (full coppice). Red-twig dogwood is pruned primarily for stem colour: the brightest red bark appears on young, one- to three-year-old stems. Cut one-third of the oldest stems down to the ground each year in late winter to keep the plant producing vivid new growth. Without this, colour fades and the shrub becomes woody.

Each late winter, cut one-third of the oldest (thickest, dullest) stems to ground level. For a harder reset on overgrown plants, cut the entire shrub to within 15–20 cm of the ground — it regrows vigorously. This doubles as a wildflower companion for pollinator timing.