In my years of gardening and landscaping, I have found that red twig dogwood bushes thrive best when planted in full sun. They are sun-loving plants that appreciate direct sunlight for a significant portion of the day. However, it is worth mentioning that red twig dogwoods are also capable of tolerating partial shade.
When grown in full sun, red twig dogwoods tend to exhibit their best growth and overall appearance. The ample sunlight provides them with the energy they need to photosynthesize efficiently, resulting in healthy and vibrant foliage. The stems of red twig dogwoods, which are the main attraction of these plants, also develop their characteristic deep red color more prominently when exposed to plenty of sunlight.
On the other hand, if red twig dogwoods are grown in partial shade, their growth tends to be slower. The lack of sufficient sunlight can hinder their ability to photosynthesize optimally, leading to sparser and more spindly growth. While the plants can still survive and grow in partial shade, they may not reach their full potential and may not exhibit the same vibrant coloration of their stems.
I recall an experience where I had planted a red twig dogwood in a location that received only a few hours of direct sunlight each day due to nearby tall trees. While the plant did survive, it grew much more slowly compared to other red twig dogwoods I had in sunnier spots. Its growth was noticeably sparse, and the stems lacked the deep red coloration that is typically associated with these plants.
To summarize, red twig dogwoods prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. However, they will grow more slowly and may have sparser growth and less vibrant stem coloration when not provided with adequate sunlight. It is crucial to consider the lighting conditions when selecting a planting spot for red twig dogwoods to ensure optimal growth and visual appeal.
