16 named cultivars

treeN. America Native

Flowering Dogwood

$64.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus florida, flowering dogwood, is a small deciduous tree native from southeastern Canada through eastern North America, growing naturally as a woodland understorey plant. What reads as its flower is actually four large white bracts surrounding a tight cluster of tiny true flowers. Glossy red fruit follows in autumn, alongside deep red-purple leaf colour.

Its horizontal, tiered branching gives it a layered silhouette that stays interesting through winter once the leaves drop. As an understorey species it prefers some shade and consistently moist soil, and trees grown hard in full sun on dry ground are markedly more prone to anthracnose and borers.

Uses & Benefits:

White spring bracts, red autumn fruit, red-purple leaf colour and a tiered winter silhouette.

Stays small and shade-tolerant, so it fits under existing canopy where larger trees will not.

Fruit is high in fat and heavily used by migrating songbirds; the flowers feed early pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

270 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Plant in spring in moist, acidic, well-drained soil.
Choose partial shade, as it grows naturally beneath taller trees.
Set the root ball slightly high; it will not tolerate deep planting.
Water consistently through dry spells, especially when young.
Mulch generously to keep the shallow roots cool and moist.
Prune only in late autumn or winter, and only lightly.

Pro Tip

Give it afternoon shade and steady moisture; heat-stressed trees are the ones that get anthracnose and borers.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in partial shade with moist, acidic soil 🌱
Mulch well to protect the shallow roots 🍂
Water through summer droughts 💧
Prune in late autumn or winter only ✂️

Don't

Plant too deeply or pile mulch against the trunk ❌
Site it in hot, dry full sun ❌
Wound the trunk with mowers or trimmers; it invites borers ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Understorey tree beneath tall shade treesFour-season specimen near a patio or windowWoodland-garden and naturalised planting

Companion Plants

Eastern Redbud Christmas Fern Wild Ginger Foamflower Oakleaf Hydrangea

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?

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

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.