Species

Cornus floridaFlowering Dogwood

15 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Cloud Nine Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Cloud Nine'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus florida is a quintessential small flowering tree of eastern North American woodlands, celebrated for its graceful, horizontal branching and large, showy bracts in spring. It offers four-season interest with spring flowers, summer foliage, fall color, and winter structure.

'Cloud Nine' is a prolific bloomer, known for producing an abundance of large, overlapping, pure white bracts, even on young trees. It is also noted for being more cold-hardy than the species and having a slower, more compact growth habit.

Uses & Benefits:

The flowering dogwood is an icon of spring in North America. Its elegant, tiered branching provides a beautiful silhouette year-round, but it is most spectacular when covered in its large, luminous bracts. The reddish-purple fall color and bright red berries extend its seasonal appeal.

As a small tree, it is perfectly scaled for residential landscapes, fitting well near patios, decks, or as a focal point in foundation plantings. It provides light, dappled shade suitable for growing understory plants beneath it.

The bright red fruits are a high-fat, energy-rich food source for over 35 species of birds, including robins, cedar waxwings, and northern cardinals, helping them fuel up for fall migration. It is also a larval host for the spring azure butterfly.

SpeciesCornus floridaFlowering Dogwood

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

210 inches

Width

270 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Up to 80 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruit is toxic to humans if ingested, but not to birds.

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with acidic, well-drained soil and afternoon shade.
Dig a hole three times the width of the root ball.
Set the tree so its root flare is slightly above soil level.
Backfill with amended soil, creating a slight mound.
Water deeply to settle the soil and remove air pockets.
Apply a 3-inch layer of pine bark or leaf mold mulch.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade to reduce stress and risk of disease like anthracnose.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a consistent layer of mulch over the root zone.
Water deeply during summer droughts.
Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Protect the trunk from lawnmowers and string trimmers.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet, or alkaline soils.
Avoid planting in full, hot sun, especially in southern zones.
Do not fertilize heavily; use a slow-release acidifying fertilizer if needed.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage foliar diseases.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant understory tree in woodland gardensStunning spring specimen for lawns and patiosGraceful accent at the corner of a house

Companion Plants

Rhododendron speciesAzalea species Kalmia latifolia Heuchera villosa Tiarella cordifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cloud Nine Flowering Dogwood questions

What zones can Cloud Nine Flowering Dogwood grow in?

Cloud Nine 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 Cloud Nine Flowering Dogwood deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Cloud Nine Flowering Dogwood, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Cloud Nine Flowering Dogwood bloom?

Cloud Nine 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 Cloud Nine Flowering Dogwood need full sun?

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