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Pruning Cornus

Sara CollingsSara Collings Posts: 33
in Plants

Hi, me again !

I have a Cornus which I purchased along with 2 others at my local garden centre, in my amateur enthusiasm I planted it out and the frost got it !! It is still alive and has some new leaves but I,m wondering if I should just leave it or prune it ? The other 2 are fine so I,m not sure if I should just leave it alone for now ?

Thank you

Sara

Posts

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,720

    which variety is it? Most are cut hard in spring, but some prefer to be thinned by 1/3 each year. 

    Devon.
  • Sara CollingsSara Collings Posts: 33

    Hi Hostafan1,

    It is a Cornus alba sibirica and the label says prune hard to ground in spring, so I,m unsure whether to prune now, especially as it has been damaged by frost. 

    Sara

  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 33,720

    Hi Sara,

    you can safely take it down to a few inches. Look for a little ring around the stem, this is where the new shoots will appear, cut just above one of those. Don't be afraid of it. You'll get a much bushier plant and the new growth has the best winter colour.

    Andrew

     

    Devon.
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