Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Flowering dogwood
Cornus florida
Flowering dogwood combines spring bracts, red fruit, autumn color, and a low-branched, layered canopy. It can become 15 to 30 feet tall and wide, making a graceful specimen where its mature outline has room. Flower color depends on the selection; this species guide does not promise a particular pink cultivar. In Southwest Washington, choose a protected site with acidic, moist, well-drained soil and air moving through the crown. Mulch the shallow roots and water through summer dry spells. Because flowering dogwood is vulnerable to leaf disease and stress, regular observation is part of caring for it.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- 15–30 ft
- Mature spread
- 15–30 ft
- Light
- Sun to partial shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 5–9
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Flowering dogwood suits a lawn or woodland-edge planting where its layered branches have space to develop. It provides spring flowers, autumn foliage, and red fruit later in the year.
Where to plant
Allow approximately 15–30 feet for the crown. Choose sun or partial shade with protection from reflected heat, and leave space around the branches for air to circulate.
Through the seasons
Showy bracts appear in spring, followed by red fruit and autumn leaf color. Bract color depends on the selected tree.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Anthracnose and summer drought are important concerns for flowering dogwood in maritime gardens. It needs careful siting, with airflow around the crown and moisture available through the dry season.
Soil, drainage & water
Provide acidic, organically rich soil that retains moisture but drains well. Mulch the shallow root zone and water during dry spells, avoiding prolonged saturation or repeated wetting of foliage.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Protect the trunk from equipment and keep pruning selective. Investigate branch decline before cutting, and remove dead or diseased material in suitable dry weather when recommended.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Anthracnose and dieback
Leaves can develop spots or blighted patches, followed by damaged twigs and declining branches.
Help your plant thrive
Provide airflow and consistent root moisture. Seek a diagnosis for continuing dieback, since flowering dogwood can suffer serious anthracnose damage.
Powdery mildew
White powdery growth can distort young foliage.
Help your plant thrive
Avoid crowding the crown and reduce drought stress. Inspect affected growth before choosing a treatment.
Trunk and establishment stress
Weak growth or dying branches may follow bark injury or prolonged dry conditions.
Help your plant thrive
Keep mowers and trimmers away from the trunk. Mulch the roots and maintain watering while the tree becomes established.
A little more inspiration
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