treeN. America Native

Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Jean'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300 inches

Width

300 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Medium-lived deciduous tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested (fruit)

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus florida is a small, deciduous flowering tree native to eastern North America, celebrated for its showy spring bracts, horizontal branching, and scarlet fall foliage. 'Jean's Appalachian Snow' is a superior selection known for its large, overlapping pure white bracts and, most importantly, its excellent resistance to powdery mildew.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

This tree is a four-season standout, offering a spectacular spring floral display, handsome summer foliage, brilliant red-purple fall color, and an elegant, horizontally-tiered structure in winter. The bright red fruits add fall and winter appeal.

As a small understory tree, it is perfectly scaled for residential landscapes, providing light shade without overwhelming a space. It can be used to frame views or anchor a mixed border.

The fruits are a high-fat, energy-rich food source for dozens of bird species, including robins, cardinals, and cedar waxwings. The flowers provide nectar for early-season pollinators.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure soil is acidic, organic, and well-drained.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.
Set the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at or above grade.
Backfill with the original soil, watering to settle.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, avoiding the trunk.

Pro Tip

Plant high, ensuring the root flare is visible above the soil line to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Mulch annually with acidic materials like pine straw or shredded bark.
Provide good air circulation to minimize disease risk.
Protect the trunk from lawnmowers and string trimmers.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, wet, or alkaline soils.
Avoid planting in full, hot afternoon sun without ample irrigation.
Don't fertilize a newly planted tree; wait until the second year.
Never pile mulch against the trunk ('volcano mulching').

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

Classic woodland garden understory treeElegant specimen for spring interestBeautiful accent near patios or entryways

Companion Plants

Azalea Rhododendron Hosta Heuchera Ferns (various)

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flowering Dogwood questions

What zones can Flowering Dogwood grow in?

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 Flowering Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Flowering Dogwood bloom?

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 Flowering Dogwood need full sun?

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