Cornus florida
flowering dogwood
Tiny, yellow-tipped, green flowers in May, surrounded by white or pink flower bracts, and curled mid-green leaves turning red-purple in autumn.
This conical, deciduous tree or shrub thrives in fertile, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil. Unsuitable for shallow, chalky soils, Cornus florida is an excellent specimen tree for a small sunny garden.
This conical, deciduous tree or shrub thrives in fertile, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil. Unsuitable for shallow, chalky soils, Cornus florida is an excellent specimen tree for a small sunny garden.
How to care for Cornus florida:
Plant in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, adding compost or manure at planting. Position in sun or light shade with space to show off the layered shape. Water regularly while establishing and during dry spells.
Pruning is not needed, as it spoils the natural habit – just remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter if required.
Pruning is not needed, as it spoils the natural habit – just remove dead, damaged or crossing branches in late winter if required.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
6m
Eventual spread:
8m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
