Propagating Red Twig Dogwood: Cuttings, Layering, and Suckers

Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea) is easy to multiply for a fence-row border. Three reliable methods:

1. Hardwood Cuttings (Late Fall–Winter)

• Take 6–9 inch cuttings with a bud near the top.
• Remove all but top 2 leaves (if any).
• Dip in rooting hormone; stick 1 inch deep in moist soil (pot or bed).
• Roots by spring.

2. Layering (Spring–Summer)

• Bend a low, flexible branch to the ground.
• Wound the underside (scrape bark).
• Bury wounded section 2–3 inches deep; anchor with a rock.
• Roots form in a season; sever and transplant next spring.

3. Sucker Division (Early Spring)

• Dig around new shoots emerging from the base.
• Sever with a sharp spade, keeping roots attached.
• Replant immediately; water well.

All methods yield vigorous, true-to-type plants. Choose based on timing and labor.