A Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Dogwood Trees from Cuttings

Lovely dogwood trees (Cornus spp.) bring year-round beauty to landscapes with their showy spring blooms, vibrant fall color, and interesting bark. Propagating dogwoods from cuttings is an easy, inexpensive way to multiply these ornamental trees quickly. With proper care, dogwood cuttings can readily root and grow into new trees that are exact genetic clones of the parent plant.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through the process of propagating dogwoods from stem cuttings. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to enjoying more of these classic landscape trees.

When to Take Dogwood Cuttings

Timing is important when collecting cuttings from a dogwood tree Here are tips on when to take dogwood cuttings for the best success

• Take cuttings in early to mid spring, just after flowering ends. This is when trees are entering a period of rapid growth, and cuttings will root quickly.

• Look for new green shoots that have hardened off from last year’s growth. Avoid using soft, succulent new growth.

• Choose shoots that snap cleanly when bent. If they bend without breaking, they are not ready.

• Collect cuttings in the morning when the plant is fully hydrated Avoid hot afternoons

• Take cuttings while trees are still dormant before new growth hardens off for the season,

Selecting the Best Dogwood Cuttings

Picking vigorous, healthy cuttings from the right areas of the tree is also key. Follow these tips:

• Take cuttings from the tips of strong lateral branches, not the main trunk.

• Select shoots that are around 3-5 inches long and 1/4 inch thick.

• Look for straight stems without branches or leaves.

• Avoid shoots that are too thin, short, or have brown spots.

• Collect more cuttings than you need since some may fail.

Preparing Dogwood Cuttings for Rooting

Before sticking cuttings into rooting medium, you’ll need to prep them:

• Use bypass pruners or sharp scissors to snip off cuttings. Make clean cuts.

• Remove all leaves from the lower half of each cutting using a clean knife or pruners.

-Optional: Dip the bare end of each cutting in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Tap off excess.

• Keep cuttings cool and moist wrapped in damp paper towels until planting.

Choosing the Right Rooting Medium

Dogwood cuttings need a sterile, well-draining rooting medium. Avoid regular potting soil, which stays too wet. Options include:

• A mix of half perlite and half coarse sand. Perlite improves drainage while sand provides support.

• Peat moss or coir mixed with perlite or vermiculite. This retains some moisture while draining well.

• Commercial propagation mixes, which are sterile and fast-draining. Look for brands formulated for hardwood cuttings.

• Vermiculite alone can work but tends to compress over time. Add perlite for better structure.

Planting Dogwood Cuttings Correctly

Once prepped, dogwood cuttings are ready to plant:

• Fill 3-4 inch pots with pre-moistened rooting medium, leaving 1 inch at the top.

• Poke a hole in the center with a pencil to the bottom.

• Insert the bare end of the cutting into the hole, burying 1.5-2 inches of the stem. Leave 2-3 nodes above the medium.

• Gently firm the medium around the cutting. Keep it upright.

• Water thoroughly after planting to settle the medium and remove air pockets.

• Place pots in a bright spot out of direct sun. Dappled sun is ideal.

Caring for Dogwood Cuttings

While waiting for roots, dogwood cuttings need attentive care:

• Mist cuttings daily to keep leaves hydrated but avoid soaking the medium.

• Keep rooting medium consistently moist but not soggy. Check moisture daily.

• Cover pots with plastic to create a humid greenhouse environment.

• Watch for fungal issues and treat immediately with organic anti-fungal sprays.

• Cuttings kept at 70-80°F will root quickest. Keep them in a warm spot.

• Check for root formation after 6-8 weeks. Gently tug cuttings to test for resistance.

Potting Up Rooted Dogwood Cuttings

Once dogwood cuttings have rooted, it’s time to pot them up:

• Carefully loosen the medium and pull away rooted cuttings. Avoid damaging new roots.

• Shake off some of the rooting medium but keep roots intact.

• Repot into containers 2-3 inches larger using a quality potting soil. Bury about 2/3 of the stem.

• Prune back the tips by about 1/3 to encourage branching and fullness.

• Place in partial sun. Gradually introduce to higher light over a week.

• Resume regular watering and fertilizing to support active growth.

Ongoing Care of Propagated Dogwood Trees

With the right care, your propagated dogwood trees will flourish:

• Once established, water deeply only when soil is partly dry. Avoid letting them dry out completely.

• Feed every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Repot annually in early spring as the rootball fills containers. Go up one pot size each time.

• Prune as needed to shape trees and improve air circulation and light penetration.

• Monitor for common pests like borers, scale, and leaf miners. Treat organically at first sight.

• Protect young trees from harsh wind, cold damage, and extreme heat while establishing.

Troubleshooting Propagation Problems

If your dogwood cuttings fail to root or decline, look for these common issues:

• Rotting stems often result from overwatering, excess humidity, or disease. Improve drainage and air circulation.

• Leaves dropping or wilting means the cutting is too dry. Mist more frequently and water when top inch is dry.

• Failure to root could indicate too high or low temperatures. Keep cuttings consistently around 70-80°F.

• Pale cuttings with minimal growth need more light. Slowly introduce to brighter conditions.

• Rooting hormone helps many cuttings that otherwise won’t form roots. Try a powder or gel.

Tips for Successfully Propagating Dogwood Trees

Follow these best practices and you’ll have the best luck propagating dogwoods from cuttings:

• Take cuttings at the right time – in early to mid spring before growth hardens off.

• Select only pencil-thick, healthy, straight shoots. Avoid very thin or short cuttings.

• Remove the bottom leaves and dip cuttings in rooting hormone if possible.

• Use a sterile, well-draining propagation medium like perlite-sand or peat-perlite.

• Keep cuttings humid, warm, and consistently moist but not wet until rooting.

• Pot up successfully rooted cuttings in quality potting mix and grow on in partial sunlight.

• Be patient! Root formation takes 4-12 weeks. Avoid disturbing cuttings until new roots establish.

With proper timing, care, and patience, propagating dogwood trees from stem cuttings is a rewarding, inexpensive way increase your stock of these spectacular ornamental trees.