Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cornus florida f. rubra (Pink Flowering Dogwood)

Flowering Dogwood, Eastern Flowering Dogwood, North American Green Osier, Pink Flowering Dogwood


Noted for its 4 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 which 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. In summer, its canopy of layered branches, clad with ovate, slightly twisted, mid-green leaves, provides shade and beauty. 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.
  • Generally pest free. Keep an eye out for cornus anthracnose and horse chestnut scale. 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.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer.
  • Native from Maine to southern Ontario to Illinois to Kansas south to Florida, Texas, and Mexico.

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 3 – 8
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Cornus - Dogwoods
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m)
Spread 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 9
Heat Zones 3 – 8
Climate Zones 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Cornus - Dogwoods
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m)
Spread 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cornus - Dogwoods

Guides with Cornus - Dogwoods

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