Red Gnome Dogwood

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Red Gnome Dogwood performs best in full sun to partial shade. For the most vibrant stem color during winter and the densest foliage during summer, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: This shrub thrives in moist, well drained soil but is famous for its ability to handle "wet feet" in boggy areas. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve drainage while keeping the moisture consistent.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Red Gnome weekly or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to help the roots settle in. Once mature, this variety is quite adaptable to various moisture levels but prefers consistent hydration to prevent leaf scorch during mid summer heat. If the soil stays bone dry for too long, you might notice smaller leaves and a less vigorous growth habit the following spring.

Pruning Tips

Because the brightest red color occurs on the youngest stems, you should prune this shrub in late winter or very early spring before new growth starts. You can either remove one third of the oldest, grayest branches every year to keep the plant rejuvenated or cut the entire shrub back to about 6 inches every few years. Think of this like a "reset button" that forces the plant to produce a fresh flush of those iconic cherry red stems.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or autumn because this can stimulate soft, tender growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is much more susceptible to winter kill, which can damage the very stems you want to showcase during the cold months.