Dogwood

Over the years, Dogwoods have made a name for themselves as a premier showcase in spring. Dogwoods rarely go unnoticed at the peak of their bloom in April. By adding Rutgers and Chinese Dogwoods to your garden, flowering time can be extended through May. With their spring flowers, green leaves in summer, colorful fall foliage and fruit, and interesting bark and winter habit, dogwoods provide 4 seasons of interest to your garden.

Requirements & Care

Dogwoods prefer an acid soil and will grow in full sun or partial shade. Fertilizing should be done in moderation. Twice a year, spring and fall, with granular Holly-tone. This should be more than adequate for maintaining flower and growth. Over-feeding can cause excessive growth resulting in disease and insect problems.

Planting

When planting Dogwoods, it is essential to pick a site that has good drainage. If drainage is poor, amend the soil with compost or peat moss and perlite. A raised bed can also be helpful in providing good drainage.

•Dig hole 2 times larger than diameter of soil ball and slightly less than the depth of the root ball.

•Prepare planting mixture: 1/3 topsoil and 2/3 Stauffers Premium Planting Mix

•If potted, remove the container. Place plant in the hole with top of the root ball 1” above or ground level.

•Fill hole 1/2 full with soil mix, and tamp firmly to prevent air pockets. (If tree is burlapped, either remove burlap & twine carefully or cut twine and fold down burlap into hole.) Note: Plastic/Nylon burlap and twine MUST be removed entirely.

•Soak thoroughly several times. After water soaks away, finish back filling to soil level with soil mix. Caution: if tree is planted deeper than it was growing in the nursery, death of the tree may result.

•Spread a fine layer of mulch around the tree being sure not to pile against the trunk. Create a small basin with mulch around the edge of the hole to retain water.

•Fill basin with water several times, soaking plant thoroughly.

•Apply a root stimulator to the base of the plant as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Apply monthly during the growing season to encourage a healthy deep root system.

•Water newly installed trees every 4-7 days for the first month, by placing a hose at the base of the plant, letting it trickle slowly until saturated. This is preferable over shallow watering every day. (Be careful of over watering when planting in heavy clay soils.) Deep roots are developed by deep watering. Continue deep watering every 1-2 weeks, depending on rainfall amounts, for the first year until the ground freezes for the winter. (Remember if a plant looks like it needs water, it is often too late!)

 

 

Dogwood Varieties

Native American Cultivars

Cornus Florida – Early Spring Blooming

•Cherokee Chief – Ruby Red Blooms

•Cherokee Brave – Extra Large Deep Red Blooms – Disease & Pest Resistant

•Cherokee Princess – Snowy White Blooms – Extremely Vigorous

•Cherokee Daybreak – Variegated White/Green Foliage – White Blooms

•Cherokee Sunset – Variegated Yellow/Green Foliage – Deep Pink Blooms

•Rubra – Large Pink Blooms

•Cloud 9 – Pure White Flowers – Very Heavy Flowering

 

Rutgers Hybrids

Cross between Cornus Florida and Cornus Kousa – Mid Spring Blooming

•Celestial – Extra Hardy, Disease/Borer Resistant, White Blooms

•Stellar Pink – Soft Pink Blooms – Vigorous Growing – Extra Hardy, Disease/Borer Resistant

•Aurora – Heavy Flowering – Disease/Borer Resistant, white blooms

 

Chinese Dogwoods

Cornus Kousa – Late Spring Blooming

•China Girl – White Blooms – Leaves Turn Crimson-Purple In Autumn

•Milky Way – Heavy Bloomer – Heavy Fruiting

•Miss Satomi – Extremely Vigorous – Disease Resistant – Pastel Pink To Pure Red Blooms

•Heart Throb – Deep Red Bloom – Disease Resistant

•Samaritan -White Blooms – Unique Variegated Foliage

 

Shrub Dogwoods

•Cornelian Cherry Dogwood – Early yellow blooms, bright red, edible fruits

•Red Twig Dogwood – Green or varigated foliage, bright red stems in winter

•Yellow Twig Dogwood – Green or varigated foliage, bright, golden-yellow stems in winter