Common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Care, watering, light and tips for Common dogwood on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Cornaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Common dogwood
Cornus sanguinea, commonly known as Bloodtwig Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub prized for its striking bright red stems in winter, which add a vibrant splash of color to the garden. Its green leaves turn reddish in autumn, and it produces small white flowers followed by dark berries. It is ideal for informal hedges, woodland edges, or as a specimen plant for seasonal interest.
Native range
Europe and Western Asia
Care tips
It prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal stem color development. It needs moist but well-drained soil, tolerating a wide range of soil types. Watering should be regular, especially during dry periods, although it is quite drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is not pruning old stems, which reduces the intensity of winter color; annual or biennial rejuvenation pruning in spring is recommended to encourage the growth of new, more colorful stems.
How to save a dying Common dogwood
- Warning signs
- Wilted, pale leaves with dry edges; brittle branches or no new shoots.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, aerate roots. Protect from intense sun.
- What kills it
- Prolonged drought in summer or constant waterlogging causing root rot.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not completely rotten and main stem is still flexible.