Species

Cornus floridaFlowering Dogwood

15 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Spring Grove Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Spring Grove'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus florida is a small, deciduous understory tree native to eastern North America, celebrated for its elegant horizontal branching and spectacular spring floral display of large bracts.

'Spring Grove' is a selection from Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum in Cincinnati, Ohio, chosen for its prolific flowering at a young age, vigorous growth, and excellent cold hardiness. It produces a profusion of large, pure white bracts.

Uses & Benefits:

The flowering dogwood is an icon of the American spring landscape. Its graceful, tiered branching provides an elegant silhouette year-round, while the showy white bracts in spring, red-purple fall color, and glossy red berries create multi-season appeal.

As a small-stature tree, it is perfectly scaled for residential properties, fitting well near patios, along property lines, or as a focal point in a lawn without overwhelming the space.

It is a cornerstone species for wildlife in its native range. The bright red fruits are a high-fat food source for dozens of species of songbirds, as well as squirrels and other mammals. It is also the host plant for the spring azure butterfly.

SpeciesCornus floridaFlowering Dogwood

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Medium-lived tree

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Fruit is mildly toxic to humans

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled light.
Ensure the soil is acidic, organic, and well-drained.
Dig a wide, shallow hole, no deeper than the root ball.
Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring the root flare is visible.
Backfill with the original soil, avoiding amendments.
Water deeply and apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, away from the trunk.

Pro Tip

Dogwoods are sensitive to drought stress; a thick layer of mulch and supplemental water during dry spells are crucial for their health.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during summer and fall.
Mulch annually to protect the shallow root system.
Protect the trunk from lawnmowers and string trimmers to prevent borer entry.
Site the tree where it has good air circulation to deter disease.

Don't

Don't plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soil.
Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed sites.
Do not fertilize a newly planted dogwood; wait until the second year.
Never pile mulch up 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 specimen tree for spring interestUnderstory tree in woodland gardensFocal point for residential lawns

Companion Plants

Rhododendron catawbiense Cercis canadensis Amelanchier arborea Geranium maculatum Polystichum acrostichoides

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Spring Grove Flowering Dogwood questions

What zones can Spring Grove Flowering Dogwood grow in?

Spring Grove Flowering 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 Spring Grove Flowering Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Spring Grove Flowering Dogwood bloom?

Spring Grove 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 Spring Grove Flowering Dogwood need full sun?

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