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Flowering dogwood

Cornus florida · Cornaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around flowering dogwood and prepare for winter.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering
Spring (April-May)
Mature size
6 to 8 m height, spreading form
Growth rate
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5 to 9 (-15 °C)
Origin
United States (southeastern region)
Soil type
Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic

Care

Light Exposure

Place your flowering dogwood in partial shade or dappled light to preserve foliage health and limit water stress. Too intense sun combined with summer heat can weaken the tree. Choose a location sheltered from drying winds.

Watering

Keep the soil regularly moist during the growing season, especially the first two years after planting. Reduce watering in fall and winter. During prolonged drought, water deeply rather than superficially to encourage root establishment.

Soil Preparation

Enrich the soil with compost or peat moss to maintain acidity and organic matter. Good drainage is essential to prevent root suffocation. Mulch the base with 5 to 8 cm to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

Pruning and Shaping

Prune lightly after flowering to remove dead or diseased branches and shape the tree. Avoid severe pruning that weakens the tree. A well-established flowering dogwood requires little structural intervention.

Fertilizing

A moderate application of compost each spring is usually sufficient. In poor soil, a balanced fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10 type) applied at the start of the growing season can support vigor and flowering.

Diseases and Pests

Flowering dogwood can suffer from collar rot in poorly drained soils or anthracnose in overly humid conditions. Ensure good drainage, proper air circulation, and avoid overhead watering. Inspect regularly to catch any disease early.

Did you know?

The flowering dogwood is the state tree of Virginia, and its white or pink flowers are an eagerly awaited sign of spring in eastern America. Once valued for its hard, dense wood used in making agricultural tools. In Asian cultivation, Cornus florida became a major ornamental tree thanks to its spectacular flowering and remarkable resilience.

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.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.