Winter Border

[Auricula]

I'm so excited!! Yesterday I bought 8 assorted dogwoods and 24 heathers to kick start my new Winter border which OH is digging out for me. I know that ericas like ericaceous soil but are dogwoods ( cornus) fussy? Also, I know to cut them back in March, but how low do you go!!??!! I intend to intersperce with hellebores and small bulbs, will that be ok?

[Deleted]

Hi Auricula

If you check out this post, there's a bit from Juliet at reply no 12 about pruning cornus. It also gives you some more ideas for a winter border.

gardenworld.proboards103.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=borders&thread=1169310134&page=1#1169310134

Cheers
FA x

[Auricula]

Thanks Andy - gosh I'm so indebted to you and your wisdom, I'll soon be chasing tractors
Seeing that thread has fired me up even more!
luv
A

[Mr Grinch]

Hi Auricula,

Finally moved over from the BBC site. My Hellebores are looking great at the moment, especially the red ones ! Never tried Cornus, what does it look like in the summer ??

Mr G

[Auricula]

Sort of green and bushy I think - but I've bought several which have variagated leaves, so they shouldn't look too boring ( I hope)

[paul r82]

Hi,

If you hard prune your cornus every year you will get bigger leaves, especially good for the variegated ones.

[Auricula]

OOh I didn't know that - thanks Paul