Just like any other dogwood variety, Red Twig Dogwood (also known as Siberian Dogwood) really benefits from a regular pruning routine. Not only does this keep the shrub looking full and lush, but it’s also the secret to getting those stunning, bright red stems we all love.
Red Twig Dogwood: A Splash of Winter Color
Red Twig Dogwood is a standout in the dogwood family, famous for its vibrant red bark that pops against the winter snow. When planted in the right spot, it provides a gorgeous focal point during those cold, dreary months. However, as the branches get older, that brilliant red color starts to fade into a duller brown. The good news? You can keep that glow alive with regular pruning.
When is the Best Time to Prune?
The ideal time to head out with your shears is in late winter. At this point, the shrub is dormant, meaning its sap isn’t flowing actively yet. Pruning during dormancy is much less stressful for the plant and prevents it from “bleeding” sap, which can happen if you wait until the spring or summer.
Avoid Pruning During the Bloom
Whatever you do, don’t prune while the shrub is in its blooming phase. Cutting it back then can cause the shrub to lose too much sap, which weakens the plant significantly.
How to Prune Your Red Twig Dogwood
Most of the time, you’ll want to prune for “rejuvenation”—basically giving the shrub a fresh start. Here are my top tips for a successful trim:
- Cut any dead wood right down to the base.
- Shorten younger stems by at least half.
- For older branches, either take off two-thirds of the length or remove them entirely.
If your main goal is to maximize that fiery red color, you can actually be quite aggressive and do a hard prune every year in late winter.
Keeping Ground Shoots in Check
While Red Twig Dogwood isn’t known for being invasive, its lower branches have a habit of touching the ground, taking root, and spreading out further than you might want. To keep your shrub in its designated space, make sure to trim back those low-hanging ground shoots regularly.
Don’t Toss Those Clippings!
One of the best parts about pruning is the leftover material. You can easily use those cuttings as stakes or “hardwood cuttings” for propagating your dogwood. Instead of throwing them in the green bin, pick out the healthy, younger stems and use them to grow brand-new shrubs for your garden!
