How to Care for a Red Twig Dogwood

Water newly planted red-twig dogwood bushes routinely through the first year to keep the surrounding soil moist as the plant becomes established. Thereafter, water when the top 2 inches of soil at the plants' base become dry. Red-twig dogwood roots grow deep and the bushes typically survive drought conditions, although moist soil is preferred. Supplement natural precipitation by watering the plants deeply during extended dry weather conditions.

Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch in an area extending at least 1 foot from where the plant's outermost branches rise from the ground. Replenish the mulch layer each spring to retain moisture during the summer and each fall to protect the surrounding ground from frost heave.

Remove one-third of the dogwood's stems in early spring before the plant's leaves begin to emerge. Cut off the branches largest in circumference and longest in length, typically the oldest, at ground level with sharp pruning shears. Alternatively, for mass groupings or hedges, cut all the branches back to 9 to 12 inches from the ground every 3 to 4 years.

Inspect red-twig dogwood bushes for dark-colored patches on the leaves, a sign of leaf spot disease. Examine the stems for scales, or canker -- discolored, scab-like blemishes -- that, if left alone, will cause the entire bush to die back. Promptly cut off the entire stem of that shows these disease symptoms and discard.