Dogwood Tree Care Must-Knows
Care requirements depend on the species of tree being grown. Dogwood trees generally prefer well-drained soil on the slightly acidic side. The trees should be kept moist, although they can tolerate occasional dry spells once established. Many species prefer organic soil, which may call for an application of compost. Heavy mulch helps these plants thrive in both summer heat and winter cold. Dogwoods are understory trees, so many species have adapted to or prefer part shade, especially in the hot afternoon sun. However, select varieties tolerate full sun. In addition to bearing beautiful flowers, many species bear edible fruit that can be made into preserves. Leaving some fruit on the plant for wildlife to enjoy is especially important in the winter when little else is available. As a rule, dogwood trees don’t need much maintenance, but pruning may be occasionally required to shape the plant. Summer is the ideal time to prune since the plant experiences a heavy sap flow during winter and spring.
New Innovations
New varieties of dogwood trees seldom hit the market because woody trees take so long to go from the point of breeding to introduction. Dogwoods are diverse, so ornamental traits and practical traits (such as summer-heat tolerance, hardiness, and bloom time) are being worked on for new and better plants. For example, one recent introduction features bright orange fruit instead of the more common red fruit.
More Varieties of Dogwood Tree
‘Cherokee Chief’ flowering dogwood
Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ is an old classic variety that bears loads of ruby-pink blooms in late spring. It grows 20 feet tall and 25 feet wide in Zones 5-8.
‘Cherokee Sunset’ flowering dogwood
Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Sunset’ is one of the most dramatic varieties. It bears deep pink flowers and yellow-edged foliage. It grows 20 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-8
‘China Girl’ dogwood
Cornus kousa ‘China Girl’ is a free-flowering variety, that even at a young age produces plenty of creamy white blooms. It grows 22 feet tall and 15 feet high in Zones 5-8.
‘Cloud Nine’ flowering dogwood
Cornus florida ‘Cloud Nine’ offers large white flowers with overlapping bracts that appear in spring. The compact tree grows 20 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Zones 5-8
‘Golden Shadows’ dogwood
Cornus alternifolia ‘Golden Shadows’ is a bold, eye-catching variety grown as a small tree or large shrub. It offers golden-edged foliage and has a rosy tint when it emerges in spring. It grows 15 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-8
Pink flowering dogwood
Cornus florida ‘Rubra’ bears pink flowers in late spring. The tree grows only 20 feet tall and 25 feet wide. Zones 5-8
‘Milky Way’ dogwood
Cornus kousa ‘Milky Way’ bears a generous constellation of white flowers followed by plenty of red-berried fruit. It’s disease resistant and grows 22 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Zones 5-8
‘Satomi’ dogwood
Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’ is a disease-resistant selection with dark pink flowers in late spring. It grows 22 feet tall and 15 feet high. Zones 5-8
‘Wolf Eyes’ dogwood
Cornus kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’ bears beautiful white flowers, but it also features stunning green foliage edged in white. Zones 5-8
Garden Plan for Dogwood Tree
Corner of Shrubs
Trees and shrubs are the four-seasons backbone of the landscape. Create an eye-catching vignette with these woody plants in your garden. Download this plan now.
