When to prune dogwood
By Camillaburge
Kent,
United Kingdom 
I've just received a dogwood plant as a gift. It has two stems about 3 1/2 ft high. Should I prune these down to the base this year as soon as I plant it, or let it flower?
Thanks
7 Apr, 2009
Answers
Hi - yes, it's Cornus Alba Aurea. I just wasn't sure if I should prune it straight after planting. Thanks!
7 Apr, 2009
Yes you should prune right down to ground level, and you will get lovely red/yellow shoots this winter.
8 Apr, 2009
Yes, you can prune Dogwoods right down to within a few centimetres of the ground, just like Hybrid Tea roses. They will then send up lots of long strong canes that will give you lots of lovely autumn colour.
You don't mention the variety of Dogwood you have. Some Dogwoods like a different treatment. But if you are growing them for their beautiful red, green yellow or black canes then you will need to cut them back hard every SPRING as the best colour is on the growth that is produced during the year. Older wood loses its colour & will eventually have just brown bark.
7 Apr, 2009