Dogwood trees are cherished for their ornamental value and seasonal interest. Propagating these beautiful plants allows you to expand your collection or share them, bringing their distinct charm to various landscapes. You can grow new dogwood trees from seeds or cuttings, nurturing them from their earliest stages into mature specimens.
Propagating Dogwood from Seed
Growing dogwood from seed requires patience and attention to detail, starting with proper seed collection. Dogwood seeds are found within bright red berries that ripen in late autumn, typically in October or November. Collect these berries when they are fully ripe.
To prepare the seeds, soak the berries in water for one to two days to soften the pulp. Viable seeds will sink; discard any that float. After soaking, remove the fleshy pulp by hand or by rubbing the seeds against a fine wire screen, as the pulp can inhibit germination.
Dogwood seeds require cold stratification to break dormancy, mimicking natural winter conditions. For artificial stratification, place cleaned seeds in a plastic bag with moist peat moss, sand, or vermiculite. Store this mixture in a refrigerator at 35°F to 40°F (2°C to 4°C) for about 120 days. Regularly check the bag to ensure the medium remains moist and to monitor for mold, treating it with a light fungicide if needed.
Once stratification is complete, typically in late winter or early spring, sow the seeds about ½ inch (1 cm) deep and 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Use a well-draining seedbed or flat filled with a mixture like one part peat to one part sand, or a peat/perlite mix. Lightly cover the sown area with mulch (e.g., pine straw, pine bark, or compost) to maintain moisture.
Germination can be slow, with seedlings emerging in the spring. Keep the soil consistently moist, watering gently if there is no rainfall, and protect seedlings from direct sunlight and rodents.
Propagating Dogwood from Cuttings
Propagating dogwood from semi-hardwood cuttings offers a quicker path to a new plant than seeds. The optimal time to take cuttings is in spring after blooming, or in early to mid-summer when new growth is firm but flexible. Cuttings from more mature wood later in the season can also succeed but may need indoor winter protection. Select healthy, current season’s growth that is 3 to 6 inches (8-15 cm) long.
To prepare the cutting, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove leaves from the bottom 1.5 inches (4 cm) to expose areas for root development. If remaining leaves are large, cut them in half to reduce moisture loss. Dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone can improve success rates; a stronger hormone (e.g., 0.8% IBA) may be more effective for some dogwood species.
Plant prepared cuttings into a suitable rooting medium, such as sand and perlite or sand and coco coir, as regular potting soil retains too much moisture. Insert the bottom 1.5 inches (4 cm) of the cutting, ensuring at least one node is buried. After planting, mist the cutting with water and create a humid environment by placing the potted cutting inside a large plastic bag, ensuring leaves do not touch the sides. Place the container in a warm location with indirect light. Roots typically form within six weeks; check for development by gently tugging the cutting, as resistance indicates rooting.
Air Layering Dogwood
Air layering is an effective method for propagating dogwood, often yielding a larger new plant more quickly than cuttings. The best time to perform air layering is in spring or mid-summer, selecting growth from the previous year. Choose a healthy, pencil-thick branch. About 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) below the branch tip, remove any leaves or twigs for approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) around the chosen area.
Using a sharp knife, make two parallel horizontal cuts around the branch, 1/2 to 1.5 inches (1.2-3.8 cm) apart, cutting through the bark completely. Then, make a vertical cut between these and carefully peel off the ring of bark. After removing the bark, scrape off the green cambium layer beneath it, as this layer prevents rooting if not removed. Applying rooting hormone to the exposed wood just above the top cut can encourage root formation.
Next, wrap the exposed area with a generous amount of moist sphagnum moss, ensuring it completely covers the peeled section. Enclose the moss-wrapped section with clear plastic film or a sturdy plastic bag, sealing both ends tightly with tape or ties to maintain humidity and create a mini-greenhouse effect. Monitor the bundle periodically to ensure the moss remains moist, adding water if it begins to dry out. Roots should become visible through the plastic in one to three months. Once they are about 2 inches (5 cm) long, sever the layered branch from the parent plant just below the new root ball.
Caring for New Dogwood Plants
Once new dogwood plants have rooted from seeds, cuttings, or air layering, initial care is important for their establishment. For potted plants, ensure the potting mix is well-draining, such as a commercial medium or a mix of sand and peat. When transplanting, handle new roots with care, placing the plant in a pot that accommodates its root system without being excessively large.
Young dogwoods thrive in moist conditions but are sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil feel dry, aiming for consistent moisture without saturation. During dry periods, young plants may need watering once or twice a week, ideally receiving about an inch of water.
Dogwood trees prefer partial shade, especially in hotter climates, as they are naturally understory trees. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. Gradually acclimate young plants to outdoor light conditions to prevent scorching. Fertilization should be light and cautious for new dogwood plants, as over-fertilizing can harm them. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring, or compost can be incorporated into the soil.
Protecting young dogwood plants from pests, diseases, and extreme weather is important. Maintaining good air circulation helps deter diseases like dogwood anthracnose. Mulching around the base with a 3 to 4-inch (7.5-10 cm) layer of organic material (e.g., pine straw or bark) helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent moisture-related issues.
Once the young dogwood is established, typically after its first or second winter, it can be transplanted to its permanent garden location. The best time for this final transplant is during the dormant season, either late fall or early spring, when the ground is moist and the air is cool.