shrubN. America Native

Greensleeves Dogwood

Cornus florida 'Greensleeves'

The Story

Plant Bio

Greensleeves is a flowering dogwood known for its lush green foliage and beautiful white flowers in spring.

This cultivar has an upright growth habit and exhibits good disease resistance, particularly to anthracnose.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides fragrant, showy white flowers and attractive dark green foliage, ideal for spring gardens.
Practical UsesServes as a hedge or screen, offering privacy and structure.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators like bees and butterflies, enriching local biodiversity.
SpeciesCornus floridaFlowering Dogwood

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

240 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Eastern United States

Toxicity

Fruit is mildly toxic to humans if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a well-drained, slightly acidic soil for planting.
  2. Tuck roots or cuttings into the soil, water thoroughly after planting.
  3. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
  4. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.
  5. Prune lightly after flowering to shape the shrub and remove dead wood.
  6. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with partial shade to protect from harsh afternoon sun.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
  • Prune after flowering to maintain shape
  • Apply mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

  • Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause excessive leaf growth ❌
  • Do not plant in poorly drained soil to prevent root rot ❌
  • Avoid heavy pruning during late fall or winter ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Ornamental shrub for focal pointsFragrant border with dark green foliage

Companion Plants

Azaleas Hydrangeas Hostas Ferns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Greensleeves Dogwood questions

What zones can Greensleeves Dogwood grow in?

Greensleeves 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 Greensleeves Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Greensleeves Dogwood bloom?

Greensleeves 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 Greensleeves Dogwood need full sun?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Greensleeves Dogwood with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.