Flowering dogwood trees (Cornus florida) are a beautiful tree for the garden and landscape that is native to the eastern United States. Dogwood bloom in spring, followed by a series of equally brilliant foliage displays. Master the basics of dogwood growing and maintenance, and you will enjoy this four-season shrub in your garden for many years.
Ideal Growing Conditions for Dogwoods
Optimal Sunlight and Location
Flowering dogwoods should be placed where they approximate their native conditions, and since they are understory trees in the wild and are protected by overstory trees, they’ll be happiest with partial shade. They can be planted in full sun but might be stressed by the heat with insects such as the dogwood borer then being attracted to the stressed plant. In the home garden, they are best placed on the edge of woodlands or planted in groups with other woody plants that provide the desired shade and protection.
Soil Preferences
Dogwoods aren’t picky about soil, but they like a well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil for best results – making it go a long way toward improving the tree if the soil is amended in order to meet those criteria.
Planting Techniques for Flowering Dogwood Trees
When and How to Plant
Plant dogwood trees at the following times. It makes a difference when you plan to do it.
Plant mounded dogwoods in the spring.
Plant lacebark dogwoods in the fall or early winter (for flowering in spring) or late winter (for flowering look, no flowers).
Bare root and burlap trees should be planted in late fall or early spring, when temperatures are cool.
Since these trees are container-grown, they are available at all times of the year and can easily be placed in the permanent location, allowing for a higher level of flexibility. Following planting, however, these trees need to be watered regularly until they become properly established.
When planting a dogwood, dig a hole that is about two-thirds the depth of the root ball and plant the tree so that the surface of the top of the root ball is a bit above the soil surface. Gently fill in the sides and do not mound soil over the root ball. It’s good practice to then place a layer of mulch around a tree two to three inches away from the trunk so that the wood is not in contact with the soil, which can cause moisture-driven disease problems.
Routine Care and Maintenance of Dogwood Trees
Watering Requirements
It will need regular watering in its first few years in the garden, especially during the dry spells. Watering needs to be fairly deep, about one inch every week, to soak into the planting hole to a depth of about 6 inches. Mulching will help water retention greatly, reducing the frequency to zero (perhaps) and providing this tree with a relatively stable moist environment.
Fertilization and Pruning
You shouldn’t fertilise mature dogwoods at all. If you fertilise young trees, go easy – a little slow-release fertiliser will be more than enough, as the plants don’t need extra. Do little if any pruning – just remove dead or injured branches (and maybe poke and prod the tree into shape, if you like). Don’t prune it in late winter, because it’s a so-called bleeder and will weep sap; in fact, prune it only in summer if absolutely necessary.
Protecting from Pests and Disease
Sometimes attacked by pests such as the dogwood borer or by diseases such as powdery mildew or leaf spot, especially if they are poorly sited or stressed, dogwoods are generally strong trees and shrubs that will be maintained in good health with regular monitoring and proper cultural practices.