Drummond's dogwood
Cornus drummondii · Cornaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around drummond's dogwood and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May), white flowers in umbels
- Adult size
- 2 to 4 m tall, bushy habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -25°C)
- Origin
- North America (United States)
- Soil type
- Fertile, well-drained, tolerant soil
- Exposure
- Sun to partial shade
Care
Exposure and light
Drummond's dogwood thrives in sun and partial shade. A bright location promotes abundant flowering and dense foliage. It tolerates partially shaded areas well, especially in warm regions.
Watering
Water regularly when planting and for the first two years to establish a deep root system. Once established, it's very tolerant of drought and only needs water during prolonged heat. Avoid waterlogged soil.
Soil and preparation
Dogwood adapts to most fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soils and even chalky soils. Enrich the soil with compost when planting to optimize initial growth.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, balanced shape. Dogwood tolerates pruning well and can be rejuvenated by severe pruning in late winter. Remove dead or crossing branches to open up the center of the shrub.
Fertilizer and nutrition
A spring application of compost or balanced fertilizer is enough to maintain its vigor. This dogwood is undemanding and generally thrives with the natural fertility of the soil, except in very poor soils.
Pests and diseases
Drummond's dogwood is very robust and rarely affected by common diseases. Watch for waterlogged conditions that could promote fungal issues. Good air circulation and adequate drainage prevent most plant health problems.
Did you know?
Drummond's dogwood produces white-blue berries that are highly appreciated by migratory birds, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its common name honors British botanist Thomas Drummond, who explored the wild lands of North America in the nineteenth century.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- DogwoodCornus sanguinea
- Cornelian cherryCornus mas
- Red-osier dogwoodCornus sericea
- Giant dogwoodCornus controversa
- Kousa dogwoodCornus kousa
- Japanese cornelian cherryCornus officinalis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.