hello,
I have a small verigated dogwood that I suspect is under 5 years of age. It is right in front of a beautiful cedar, so I would like to move it and space things out a little.
My thought is to cut it back, and transplant the root now (September). Is this the best time for this or should I just wait it out until spring? Can you let me know?
Dann Wilson
p.s. I LOVE your magazine! Have been a subscriber for almost 2 years now!
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PLEASE tell me you didn't cut it back. Dogwoods [Cornus ssp.] are rather slow growers and usually top out about 15 feet.
Even though its BC's provincial flower, native dogwoods don't do so well here anymore. The Kousa [Chinese] varieties are the ones to have. Yours sounds like one. I have a 'China Girl' with green/yellow varigated foliage. The flowers come out white and then change to a lovely, soft pink. Mine is not very old either. I planted it so it would be an understory tree for a new Gingko - which grows way faster.
With the varigated varieties - and this goes for all trees - watch out for green, unvarigated growth. Prune it out completely or it will take over and your tree will be a plain Jane again.
As with all trees and shrubs, moving's best while dormant. Spring is better to avoid possible winter-kill. Add bark mulch to your planting hole [helps moisture retention] and some bone meal for good root development. That Rootbooster works well too - follow package directions. It will need supplemental water during "dry season" [long, deep drinks twice a week]for 2 to 3 years to guarantee success.
I so hope I got to you and your dogwood in time!