Cornus florida f. rubra (Pink Flowering Dogwood)

Noted for its four seasons of interest, Cornus florida f. rubra (Pink Flowering Dogwood) is a small deciduous tree adorned with a broadly conical canopy. In spring, profuse star-like blooms, 3-4 in. across (7-10 cm), usually appear before the leaves. They consist of four narrowly pointed pink to reddish pink bracts that surround the center cluster of tiny green flowers. The blossoms give way to rounded, glistening orange-red fruit in summer, which may persist until late in the year unless devoured by hungry birds. Its canopy of layered branches, clad with ovate, slightly twisted, mid-green leaves, provides shade and beauty in summer. In the fall, it offers spectacular bright color when its foliage turns attractive shades of maroon and scarlet. Light gray and smooth when young, the bark becomes gray-brown and develops a distinctive pattern that looks like alligator skin as the tree matures, adding interest to the winter landscape. A magnificent landscape tree regarded by many gardeners as one of the best small flowering trees.

• Grows up to 15-30 ft. tall and wide (4-9 m).
• Performs best in part shade, in fertile, evenly moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. Tolerates full sun but tends to be denser. Keep roots cool with mulch in summer and provide shelter in exposed locations.
• Deer resistant.
• Great choice as a specimen near patios or lawns, in shrub borders, woodland gardens, or naturalized areas.
• No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
• Dogwoods are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases.
• Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.
• Native from Maine to southern Ontario to Illinois to Kansas south to Florida, Texas, and Mexico.