Does red-twig dogwood bloom first or leaf out first? A detailed guide to care and pruning timing and methods

Today I recommend a plant suitable for giving when a new store opens: the "red-twig dogwood," which is red all over. It is a unique stem-ornamental plant with slender branches, symbolizing an auspicious future and lasting prosperity, so many people also like to buy it as a Lunar New Year flower to bring home good luck and good fortune.

So, how should you care for red-twig dogwood bought from a flower shop? Generally it is divided into fresh-cut and potted cultivation. First, the cut branches: the flowering period is about 2-3 months, and after blooming they appear as flattened round clusters, very eye-catching at a glance. Usually the flower branches bought are fairly long, so you should cut the base diagonally by about 1 cm and remove rotten and excess branches. Then take out a taller vase, add about 1/3 water, and place the red-twig dogwood into the water. Later it will grow white roots, and leaves will also emerge. For watering, change the water about once every three days. Each time you change the water, if you find the base has changed color, you need to cut about 1 cm off the roots.

For potted red-twig dogwood, the flowering period is June-July and the fruiting period is August-October. It likes sunlight and is suitable for a bright location; it must never be placed in a dark environment. For daily watering, follow the principle of keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. In summer, water once a week, and in winter reduce the amount of watering accordingly. As for fertilizing, because it likes fertile soil, you can apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once a month, especially more in spring and summer, and gradually stop after autumn.

Also, it likes sun and therefore also likes warm temperatures. When winter temperatures drop below 10 degrees, it needs protection from the cold, and when summer temperatures rise above 30 degrees, avoid direct high-temperature sunlight. In addition, red-twig dogwood should be pruned regularly to remove dead branches and overly dense branches, which ensures good shape and healthy growth. Finally, red-twig dogwood has relatively few pests, but a few may show signs of pests or disease. Once discovered, deal with it promptly.

With the careful care above, red-twig dogwood can not only be a beautiful sight in your home, but also let you receive its beautiful floral blessing.