tree

Constellation Dogwood

Cornus 'Rutcan'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A vigorous hybrid dogwood (Cornus kousa x Cornus florida) from the Rutgers University breeding program, selected for disease resistance and profuse flowering. 'Rutcan' (Constellation®) is highly resistant to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew. It produces a stunning display of large, star-like white bracts and has an upright, vase-shaped habit.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Grown for its profuse and beautiful display of large, star-shaped white flower bracts in late spring. It also offers attractive foliage, reddish-purple fall color, and a pleasing upright form.

Its key practical benefit is its high resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew, making it a much more reliable and low-maintenance choice than the susceptible native flowering dogwood.

While it produces few fruits, any that develop are eaten by birds. The flowers attract pollinators, and the tree provides cover and potential nesting sites for wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full morning sun and afternoon shade.
Choose well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Set the tree so its root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly to settle, and mulch.
Keep the soil consistently moist, especially the first few years.

Pro Tip

Provide a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch like pine bark or compost to keep the shallow root system cool and moist.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods, providing deep soakings.
Mulch annually to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
Plant in a location with good air circulation to further prevent disease.
Provide afternoon shade in hotter climates.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged, or alkaline soils.
Avoid mechanical damage to the trunk from lawnmowers or string trimmers.
Do not fertilize heavily, especially with high-nitrogen formulas.
Avoid planting in stressful locations like hot, dry, exposed sites.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Disease-resistant specimen tree for prominent locationsElegant understory planting in woodland settingsFocal point for late spring interest

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Azalea Hosta Athyrium (Ferns) Epimedium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Constellation Dogwood questions

What zones can Constellation Dogwood grow in?

Constellation 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 Constellation Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Constellation Dogwood bloom?

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

Does Constellation Dogwood need full sun?

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