tree

Ruth Ellen Dogwood

Cornus 'Ruth Ellen Rutgers'

The Story

Plant Bio

The Rutgers series of hybrid dogwoods (Cornus kousa x Cornus florida) are renowned for combining the best traits of both parents, including large flowers and strong disease resistance.

'Ruth Ellen' is distinguished by its low-branching, rounded habit and a heavy production of large white flower bracts. It offers excellent resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew.

Uses & Benefits:

This dogwood is a premier ornamental tree, celebrated for its abundant spring bloom of large white flowers, attractive summer foliage, rich reddish-purple fall color, and red fruits that persist after leaf drop.

Its compact, rounded form makes it an excellent choice for smaller landscapes, courtyards, and near patios, providing beauty without overwhelming the space. It serves well as a focal point in mixed borders.

The flowers provide nectar and pollen for early-season pollinators. The fleshy red fruits are a food source for over 35 species of birds, including robins, cedar waxwings, and northern cardinals.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

216 inches

Width

216 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Amend soil with compost to improve drainage and fertility.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the tree with its root flare slightly above soil level.
Backfill the hole and water deeply to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Ensure good air circulation and morning sun to promote drying of foliage, further enhancing its natural disease resistance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
Provide consistent moisture, especially during hot, dry periods.
Test soil pH and maintain an acidic to neutral range.
Remove any suckers that appear at the base of the tree.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or alkaline soils.
Avoid overhead watering, which can encourage foliar diseases.
Don't prune heavily, as it can spoil the natural form.
Refrain from fertilizing after mid-summer to avoid tender late-season growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful specimen for small lawnsIdeal understory tree in woodland settingsAttractive anchor for foundation plantings

Companion Plants

Hydrangea quercifolia Fothergilla gardenii Tiarella cordifolia Polystichum acrostichoides Kalmia latifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ruth Ellen Dogwood questions

What zones can Ruth Ellen Dogwood grow in?

Ruth Ellen Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ruth Ellen Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Ruth Ellen Dogwood bloom?

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

Does Ruth Ellen Dogwood need full sun?

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