Flowering Dogwood
Cornus floridaUSDA | Grow Zone
5-9Outdoors all year in zones 5 to 9. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 20°F.
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- Weekly, deep watering
- Humidity
- 40-60%
- Temperature
- 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 15-30 ft tall
Flowering Dogwood, known for its stunning blooms and vibrant fall foliage, is a beloved ornamental tree native to North America. Its graceful form and seasonal interest make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
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Ideal temperature
60-75°F is where it grows fastest. Below 20°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 15-30 ft tall
- Plant apart
- 180-300 in
- Frost
- Hardy: survives frost
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Flowering Dogwood prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its active growing season in spring and summer.
Water deeply once a week, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. In the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to every two weeks. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering can cause leaf droop and browning edges.
Light
This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun, ideally receiving 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Morning sun with afternoon shade is beneficial, especially in hotter climates, as it helps prevent leaf scorch. Flowering Dogwood can tolerate dappled light but may produce fewer flowers in low light conditions.
Soil
Flowering Dogwood prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0.
A mix of peat moss, compost, and perlite can create an ideal potting mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Humidity
This plant enjoys moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%.
To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier nearby. Signs of low humidity stress include browning leaf tips and increased susceptibility to pests.
Temperature
Flowering Dogwood thrives in temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
It can tolerate brief periods of cold down to 20°F (-6°C) but should be protected from extreme heat and cold drafts. During winter, ensure it is sheltered from harsh winds.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 in early spring as new growth begins.
Apply every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Signs of nutrient deficiency include stunted growth and yellowing leaves, indicating a need for fertilization.
Pruning
Prune Flowering Dogwood in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree. Deadheading spent flowers can promote more blooms, but avoid heavy pruning as it can reduce flowering.
Repotting
Repot Flowering Dogwood every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound.
Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Signs it needs repotting include roots growing out of the drainage holes and slowed growth. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, trim any damaged roots, and place it in fresh potting mix.
Propagation
Propagation can be achieved through seeds, softwood cuttings, or grafting.
For seeds, collect them in the fall, stratify for 90 days, then sow in spring. For softwood cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings in early summer, dip in rooting hormone, and place in a moist potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a humid environment until roots develop, typically within 4-6 weeks.
When it's unhappy
Powdery mildew
Why it happens
High humidity and poor air circulation can lead to this fungal disease.
How to fix it
Improve air circulation around the plant and apply a fungicide if necessary.
Leaf spot
Why it happens
Fungal infections often caused by wet foliage.
How to fix it
Ensure foliage dries quickly after watering and apply fungicide if needed.
Bark splitting
Why it happens
Rapid temperature changes or excessive moisture can cause bark to split.
How to fix it
Mulch around the base to maintain consistent moisture and protect from extreme temperatures.
Pest infestations (aphids, scale)
Why it happens
High humidity and stress can attract pests.
How to fix it
Regularly inspect the plant and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations.
Yellowing leaves
Why it happens
Can indicate over-watering, nutrient deficiency, or root rot.
How to fix it
Check soil moisture levels, adjust watering habits, and consider fertilization.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, ensure the plant receives adequate water as new growth begins. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer to promote flowering.
Summer
During summer, monitor moisture levels closely, especially in hot weather. Mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
Fall
In fall, reduce watering as the plant enters dormancy. Clean up fallen leaves to prevent disease and pests.
Winter
In winter, protect the plant from harsh winds and extreme cold. Avoid heavy pruning during this time.
Toxicity & Safety
Flowering Dogwood is non-toxic to pets and humans. However, the berries can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting.
Good to know
How often should I water my Flowering Dogwood?
Water your Flowering Dogwood deeply once a week during the growing season, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Why are my Flowering Dogwood leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves can be a sign of over-watering, nutrient deficiency, or root rot. Check soil moisture and consider fertilizing if necessary.
What type of soil is best for Flowering Dogwood?
Flowering Dogwood prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0. A mix of peat moss, compost, and perlite works well.
When should I prune my Flowering Dogwood?
Prune your Flowering Dogwood in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to remove dead branches and shape the tree.
How can I increase humidity for my Flowering Dogwood?
To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly or place a humidifier nearby. This helps prevent browning leaf tips.
What are the signs of powdery mildew on Flowering Dogwood?
Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery spots on leaves and stems, often due to high humidity and poor air circulation.
Is Flowering Dogwood toxic to pets?
Flowering Dogwood is non-toxic to pets and humans, but the berries can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in large quantities.
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