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Variegated dogwood · Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'

Why is my variegated dogwood dropping leaves?

It is less common for this plant to drop leaves prematurely, which usually happens due to severe drought or pest infestations like scale insects. Check the undersides of the leaves for small bumps first.

Check these first

  1. Inspect the stems for small bumps or insects.
  2. Check the soil moisture depth.
  3. Look for signs of wilting.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see small, raised bumps on the stems or undersides of leaves. The plant may look weak and drop leaves early.

    What to do: Scrape off light infestations with a soft brush or fingernail. For larger issues, apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap according to the label.

  2. Severe Drought

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves wilt and drop off rapidly during a heat wave. The soil will be bone dry and cracked.

    What to do: Water the plant slowly and deeply to rehydrate the root ball. Continue to monitor moisture levels every 3 days until the plant recovers.

Find out what's wrong with your variegated dogwood

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

Worry if the plant loses a large amount of foliage in a short time. It is normal for the plant to drop its leaves in autumn as it prepares for winter.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with consistent water and inspect the stems regularly for pests.

Keep your variegated dogwood healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Is my dogwood dying if it drops leaves?
Not necessarily, as it could be a reaction to stress. Check the stems for flexibility to see if they are still alive.
How do I know if it is scale?
Scale insects look like tiny, stationary bumps that do not move. They often cluster along the veins of leaves or on the twigs.

More problems with Variegated dogwood

Back to the Variegated dogwood guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.