Cornus
Dogwood Bonsai
These deciduous hardy shrubs also known as ‘Cornel’ grow in cool temperatures. Cornus bright yellow flowers on a bare stem ensure they stand out in the early spring. Widespread in the northern hemisphere, this specimen’s fruit holds many medicinal and herbal properties.
Dogwood Bonsai Care Tips
Placement
Dogwood bonsai relish full fun with good air circulation. Come the summer’s hottest period shade is advisable for the middle of the day to early afternoon. When planted in bonsai containers, Dogwood should be given some frost protection.
Watering
Dogwood is not a drought-resistant species, its soil should be kept moist and watered as soon as it is dry throughout the growing season. In winter be sure to keep the soil moist.
Feeding & Fertilising
Feeding should take place after flowering. Use a liquid feed once a week or a solid feed once a month across the growing season.
Pruning & Wiring
Bigger branches are suitable for pruning after flowering. New shoots can be trimmed to shape after the flowers fade. If not seeking fruit, spent flowers can be removed.
Young branches and shoots can be wired in autumn or winter with some care. We recommend using wires with a thickness that matches the thickness of the branch: if the wire you choose is too thick you will damage the bark. If it is too thin, it won’t be effective.
Repotting
Repotting your tree is an important way to provide a fresh and suitable soil mix and ensure appropriate root health. Repot Dogwood bonsai in early spring, every two to three years.
Trees that are ready for repotting will require root pruning, a suitable new pot and appropriate soil mix.
When repotting, do not cut back the root mass by a large amount, and choose a well-draining soil mix that has a neutral or slightly higher PH value of 5-6 but not over 7. We tend to use a mixture of different speciality bonsai soils on our trees. Every species is different so please contact us for free soil-mix advice or to take advantage of our repotting service.
Bonsai trees aren’t only magnificent additions to an indoor oasis, they are more than capable of standing out in any garden. Many Bonsai species are incredibly hardy and withstand nature’s colder and damper turns with aplomb making them worthwhile outdoor plants. We have an extensive library of care guides for outdoor bonsai trees. It’s not about selecting the perfect bonsai, it’s about selecting the perfect bonsai for you.
Dogwood Bonsai - Typical Queries
How to propagate Dogwood bonsai?
Dogwood bonsai can be propagated with seeds, cuttings or layering. In early spring seeds can be used, some species will need stratifying and take considerable time to grow. Cuttings from semi-hardwood cuttings can be used in the summer. Air layering is also an option.
Do Dogwood bonsai get pests and diseases?
Dogwood bonsai trees can be prone to aphids, caterpillars, anthracnose, wine weevil and will require appropriate insecticides. Crown canker, flower and leaf blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew and grey mould are also potential diseases to be vigilant for.
Can you keep a Dogwood bonsai indoors?
Dogwood bonsai should be kept outdoors consistently, only to be brought inside temporarily for a potential display. Be sure to bring it back outdoors as soon as possible.
