Dogwood trees, or Cornus, are a staple of the British landscape, beloved for their year-round interest. While often seen in expansive parklands or shrub borders, these resilient plants adapt surprisingly well to container gardening. Growing a Dogwood in a planter allows those with limited space—such as a courtyard, balcony, or paved terrace—to enjoy their spectacular floral displays and vibrant winter stems. With the right care, a potted Dogwood can become the centrepiece of your patio.

Choosing the Right Pot

Because Dogwoods have a vigorous root system and require consistent moisture, the choice of container is critical. You need a pot that offers stability against the wind and enough depth for root development. Aesthetics are equally important to ensure the tree complements your outdoor design.

For a contemporary, architectural feel, consider using zinc square planters. These are durable and stylish, available in matte black, matte grey, white, matte copper, or gloss black, providing a sharp contrast against the bright green foliage. If your garden leans towards a traditional or cottage style, 65cm to 90cm diameter rustic whisky barrels provide ample root space and character; you can choose from faded silver rings, rustic rings, or painted black rings to suit your taste. Alternatively, for a classic texture that blends seamlessly with decking and garden furniture, up to 60cm wood square planters available in natural wood, black, or grey are a sturdy and attractive option.

Soil and Planting

Dogwoods thrive in soil that is neutral to slightly acidic and retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. When planting in pots, ordinary garden soil is generally too heavy and can compact, leading to poor drainage. Instead, use a loam-based compost like John Innes No. 3 mixed with roughly 20% horticultural grit. This mix provides the structure and nutrients required for a long-term container plant while ensuring excess water can escape during the wet British winters.

Positioning and Care

Most Dogwood varieties prefer a spot in full sun to partial shade. In the UK climate, a position that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is often ideal to prevent the leaves from scorching in the height of summer, although the colourful winter stem varieties (like Cornus sanguinea) produce the best bark colour when exposed to plenty of sunlight.

Watering is the most demanding aspect of growing trees in pots. Unlike ground-planted trees, a potted Dogwood cannot search for water. Keep the compost consistently moist; do not let it dry out completely. During a hot spell in July or August, this may mean watering daily. Applying a general-purpose fertiliser in early spring will help support fresh growth and flowering.

Seasonal Interest: Flowers and Fruits

One of the main reasons to grow Dogwood is the shifting calendar of interest it brings to a garden.

• Flowering: Flowering Dogwoods, particularly the popular Cornus kousa varieties, typically put on a show in late spring to early summer, usually around May and June. Technically, the "flowers" are actually modified leaves called bracts, which surround the tiny true flowers. These bracts can range from creamy white to deep pink and last for several weeks.
• Fruiting: Following a successful flowering season, you can expect fruits to develop in late summer, ripening in autumn (September to October). The fruits of Cornus kousa are particularly striking—they resemble strawberries or lychees and hang elegantly from the branches.
• Winter Colour: If you choose a variety known for its bark, such as 'Midwinter Fire', the display continues long after the leaves have fallen. As the grey winter sets in, the stems turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, looking particularly stunning when growing in zinc square planters or rustic whisky barrels and dusted with frost.