tree RHS AwardN. America Native

Pink Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Rubra'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high

Lifespan

Up to 80 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruit is mildly toxic to humans if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus florida is a small, deciduous understory tree native to eastern North America, celebrated for its graceful, horizontal branching and beautiful spring display. What appear to be large petals are actually modified leaves called bracts, which surround the small, true flowers. 'Rubra' is a classic pink-flowering form of the species. The large, showy bracts emerge in spring before the leaves, in shades ranging from soft pink to a deeper rose-red, providing a spectacular floral effect.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Pink Flowering Dogwood is one of the most beautiful small flowering trees for the landscape. Its elegant, tiered branching structure provides a graceful silhouette year-round. The spring bloom is breathtaking, followed by lush summer foliage, brilliant red-purple fall color, and glossy red berries that persist after leaves drop, creating a multi-season spectacle.

Its small size makes it a perfect fit for residential yards, courtyards, and as an understory tree in woodland settings. It can be used to frame a view, anchor a garden bed, or provide filtered shade for a patio. The cut branches are also beautiful in spring floral arrangements.

As a native tree, it is a vital part of the local ecosystem. The flowers attract numerous pollinators. The high-fat, high-calcium red fruits are a preferred food source for over 36 species of birds, including robins, mockingbirds, and cardinals, helping them fuel up for fall migration. It is also a larval host for the Spring Azure butterfly.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure the soil is acidic, rich in organic matter, and well-drained.
Dig a shallow hole 2-3 times as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil line.
Backfill with native soil, do not add heavy amendments to the hole.
Water deeply and apply a generous layer of mulch.

Pro Tip

Dogwoods are shallow-rooted; a thick layer of mulch is crucial to keep roots cool and moist, especially in summer.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide supplemental water during summer droughts.
Maintain a wide mulch ring to protect the trunk from mowers.
Ensure good air circulation to minimize disease.
Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves in autumn.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet, or alkaline soils.
Avoid planting in hot, full-sun locations, which stresses the tree.
Don't damage the thin bark with string trimmers or mowers.
Avoid fertilizing with high-nitrogen products.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning understory specimen treeFocal point for a woodland gardenGraceful accent near a patio or deck

Companion Plants

Azaleas Rhododendrons Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) Ferns Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink Flowering Dogwood questions

What zones can Pink Flowering Dogwood grow in?

Pink Flowering Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pink Flowering Dogwood deer resistant?

Yes — Pink Flowering Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Pink Flowering Dogwood bloom?

Pink Flowering Dogwood typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pink Flowering Dogwood need full sun?

Pink Flowering Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.