Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

How to Grow Dogwood Trees in a Pot

...
dogwood image by rebekah gonzalez from Fotolia.com

Bonsai trees are any trees that are grown in containers. Whether small or large, the potted tree serves as a bonsai that can be grown indoors or outdoors, depending on the tree’s requirements and your growing desires. The dogwood tree is a good selection for bonsai. It is a hardy tree that adapts quickly to pruning and the indoor environment. The dogwood tree, even as bonsai, blooms fragrant white blossoms during the summer months and is quite showy with attractive and colorful fall foliage.

Plant your dogwood in a well-drained potting container. Choose a deep container with a width that is slightly larger than the root system of the dogwood. Ensure that the container has several drainage holes at the bottom, rather than just one. This will allow the excess water to flow evenly away from the root system.

  • Bonsai trees are any trees that are grown in containers.
  • Choose a deep container with a width that is slightly larger than the root system of the dogwood.

Plant the dogwood tree in a nutrient rich, loamy soil. Combine equal amounts of nutrient rich soil and organic compost or use a bonsai combination as explained by BonsaiSite.com. Incorporate the selected materials thoroughly to ensure a balanced mixture.

Line the bottom of the potting container with 2 or 3 inches of stones, as recommended by Gardening Know How, to promote increased drainage. Fill the container with a layer of soil. Position the dogwood tree in the center of the container. Fill the container halfway with soil and irrigate the soil to remove any potential air pockets. Repeat to finish the process.

  • Plant the dogwood tree in a nutrient rich, loamy soil.
  • Line the bottom of the potting container with 2 or 3 inches of stones, as recommended by Gardening Know How, to promote increased drainage.

Place your newly planted dogwood in a warm, sunny location. Choose a location that provides about eight hours of partially shaded to full sunlight. Select an indoor or outdoor location, as desired.

Irrigate the dogwood tree thoroughly and frequently to maintain a moist soil environment. Still, allow the dogwood tree to dry slightly between each irrigation, without allowing it to dry out completely. Water the dogwood with a watering can until the water flows evenly from the drainage system. Check the soil’s moisture levels before each watering to prevent overwatering.

  • Place your newly planted dogwood in a warm, sunny location.
  • Irrigate the dogwood tree thoroughly and frequently to maintain a moist soil environment.

Feed the potted dogwood tree with a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer, as stated by Gardening Know How. Apply the feed at half strength approximately every 90 days during the growing season. Distribute the feed evenly throughout the container and water in thoroughly.

Prune your potted dogwood tree during its dormancy period. Use sharp, sterile pruning shears. Thin interior branches to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration throughout the dogwood tree. Follow the recommendations of the U.S. National Arboretum and remove any dead or diseased branches and stems as they appear.

  • Feed the potted dogwood tree with a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer, as stated by Gardening Know How.
  • Thin interior branches to increase air circulation and sunlight penetration throughout the dogwood tree.

Related Articles

How to Start a Dogwood Bonsai Tree
How to Start a Dogwood Bonsai Tree
How to Grow Citrus Trees in the Midwest
How to Grow Citrus Trees in the Midwest
How to Care For and Pot a Eucalyptus Tree
How to Care For and Pot a Eucalyptus Tree
How to Water Juniper Bonsai
How to Water Juniper Bonsai
How to Take Care of a Hibiscus Tree
How to Take Care of a Hibiscus Tree
How to Start a Dogwood Tree From Its Seeds
How to Start a Dogwood Tree From Its Seeds
How to Bonsai a Pine Tree
How to Bonsai a Pine Tree
How to Trim a Ficus Tree
How to Trim a Ficus Tree
How to Care for a Holly Tree
How to Care for a Holly Tree
Information on California Dogwood Tree
Information on California Dogwood Tree
How to Grow Plumeria As a House Plant
How to Grow Plumeria As a House Plant
How to Care for a Plum Tree
How to Care for a Plum Tree
What Is the Rate of Growth for Dogwood Trees?
What Is the Rate of Growth for Dogwood Trees?
The Leaves Are Cupping Up on My Dogwood
The Leaves Are Cupping Up on My Dogwood
How to Plant a Redbud Tree
How to Plant a Redbud Tree
How to Care for a Eucalyptus Silver Dollar Plant
How to Care for a Eucalyptus Silver Dollar Plant
Garden Guides
×