We were lucky with the weather on our visit to RHS Wisley at the start of February. Blue skies and a hint of sun and in the distance a blaze of colour. So it was no wonder that we found ourselves in the Winter Walk admiring the colours of the Dogwoods. At this time of year they do provide colour, which is often something we’ve missed isn’t it?
We have some Dogwoods in our garden, and with hindsight they aren’t situated in the best position as it would be good to see them from the house. However they are in some of our sunnier spots, which is why where they are was chosen, as the sun helps the vibrancy of the colour. They’re definitely another of the plants i’d put in a future garden, and next time round I’d make sure we could see them.
It’s often the reds, yellows and oranges that take all the plaudits colour-wise but even the green ones, with the sun on, can shine. I think they benefit from the reds behind them, and the contrast that makes them work. I’m sure there’s all sorts of varieties, but mine are nowhere near as dense as this, and i kind of wish they were.
I”m also always nervous about cutting their vibrant stems, as the most vibrant colour is always on the newest stems. It takes all of my ‘big girl pruning bravery’ to actually cut the colourful stems. Mostly they’ve come back, but I have lost a plant or two in the process, which doesn’t help with being brave.
I do have a tip for you though if you’re thinking of adding some fiery Dogwood colour to your garden, and that’s to skip the garden centre plants and buy bare rooted plants. They’re much cheaper and as your plants won’t be doing much until next year anyway, they’ve plenty of time to get established and repay you with some glorious winter colour.