Cornus florida
Flowering dogwood, Common white dogwood, Eastern flowering dogwood, American boxwood
- Height × spread
- 6m × 8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Flowers
- Spring, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This can be grown as a tree or a large shrub. The flowering dogwood is wonderful at its best and in its homeland (eastern North America). It needs the right conditions to thrive and is happiest in Britain in the drier southeastern parts. Glossy green, veined, broad conical leaves are held pendulously. The flower heads develop in the autumn and form little conical knobs that sit atop the twigs all winter. The flowers and the beginnings of the leaves begin to unfurl in April, yellowish green, giving a bright floating effect. In May, it is wonderful, with white four 'petalled' flower heads that surmount the leaves. There can be clusters of red fruits in late summer. In autumn the leaves colour pink and purple, though this may be sad and subdued in effect in mild climates. There are a number of interesting cultivars.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Spring foliage
- Yellow-green
- Autumn foliage
- Pink-purple
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, soft
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 6m
- Spread
- 8m
- Height in 10 years
- 2m
- Spread in 10 years
- 3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Cold to -15C (RHS H5)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Architectural, Bird attraction
- Deer
- Some chance of deer damage.
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed young plants with slow release fertiliser
Spread a slow release fertiliser around the base of the plant to the edge of the foliage spread, so that it can feed the roots. It is helpful for this to be applied for several years.
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost until the plant becomes well established.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Winter
Winter · Planting
Prune to maintain the plant
The plant is best left largely unpruned. When dormant remove any branches that are dead or diseased. In addition, remove any branches that are awkwardly angled or which grow back through the centre of the plant spoiling its open shape.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water with rain water
This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Planting
Protect & support young trees
Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.
Compost · Planting
Ericaceous compost
This plant requires acidic (ericaceous) soil. Where the soil is not acidic, or when planting in pots, use an ericaceous compost.
Found in
More Cornus
Cornus
Dogwood, Cornel
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'
Silver variegated dogwood, Red-barked dogwood, White fruited dogwood, Tatarian dogwood
Cornus alba 'Kesselringii'
Red-barked dogwood, White fruited dogwood, Tatarian dogwood
Cornus alba 'Sibirica Variegata'
Siberian dogwood, Red-barked dogwood, Tatarian dogwood
Cornus alba 'Sibirica'
Siberian dogwood, Red-barked dogwood, Tatarian dogwood
Cornus alba Baton Rouge = 'Minbat'
Red-barked dogwood, White fruited dogwood, Tatarian dogwood
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'
Pagoda dogwood, Green osier
Cornus canadensis
Creeping dogwood, Bunchberry, Crackerberry, Pudding berry, Dwarf cornel