Dogwood Concerns
by
Lori J
+3
Both my variegated and red stem dogwood are late to leaf out this spring. I don't remember this as an issue in past years. Am I just getting impatient?
6 answers
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This has been a difficult winter and a late spring (at least in my area) and that could have something to do with it. I would cut a branch or two and check to see if there is any green inside. That would tell you if the plant is viable. I they are ok. They are gorgeous plants.
Brenda De Lair
on May 06, 2014
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Both plants have stems that turn, one from red to brown and the other to a brighter green. The red stem is doing what it should be, the second one is beginning to green up.
Lori J
on May 06, 2014
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Things are late all over the country. I would give your dogwoods a while longer. They are tough plants.
Douglas Hunt
on May 06, 2014
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Use the other plants in the area as a guide. If they are in full leaf and your is not, then you have a problem. If yours look like everyones elses, then just wait like Douglas says. The "polar vortex" that most of us experienced this year has done a lot of plant damage not seen in many years.
TJB-INC Landscape Contractor
on May 06, 2014
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I also have the variegated Red Twig Dogwood shrubs and yes it is a late year and crazy weather. I'm sure your shrubs are fine, just trim off any dead wood in a couple of weeks. Mine were late to leaf out this year also. When the older branches start loosing the pretty red winter color (which is why I love them for the winter interest) I just cut those off at the ground in early spring and this shrub will send out new shoots and will have a chance to harden off before winter. By cutting no more than 1/3 of the old branches out every spring you will keep your shrub looking great.
Margie
on May 08, 2014
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I have been drip watering both of these, and slowly but surely am seeing hopeful signs. Margie, I love those red stems, too. The red stemmed is beginning to leaf out and the variegated is beginning to put a few leaves on low. The stems on the variegated, have shown no signs of greening on the interior two weeks ago, are beginning to green.
Lori J
on May 08, 2014
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