Does it need full sun?

It prefers partial shade, especially in the southern part of its range.

How often should I water it?

Keep the soil consistently moist but well-draining, especially during the first few years.

Plant guide

Flowering dogwood.

Cornus florida

Pronounced KOR-nus FLOR-ih-duh

Also known as American Boxwood, American-boxwood, Arrowwood, Dogwood, Eastern Flowering Dogwood, Florida Dogwood, Flowering Cornel, Flowering Dogwood

The flowering dogwood is a beautiful deciduous tree that puts on a stunning show every spring. It thrives in woodland settings where it gets a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day. You'll love the way its branches spread to create a lovely, layered look in your garden.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Mid to late spring

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but well drained to help this tree stay happy. Watch for signs of stress like leaf scorch in summer or powdery mildew on the foliage. Adding a layer of mulch around the base helps keep the roots cool and retains moisture.

Watering: Water deeply during dry spells to keep the root zone from drying out completely.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
Pruning: Prune dead or crossing branches in late winter while the tree is still dormant.
Repotting: If growing in a container, move to a larger pot every few years to accommodate root growth.
Soil: Rich, acidic, well draining soil
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: -28 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 50 to 80 years
Deer and rabbits: Low

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth despite regular care.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, but the berries are not meant for human consumption.
Children: The berries are not toxic, but they pose a minor choking hazard to small children.
Contact allergens: Some individuals may experience mild skin irritation from handling the foliage.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is not typically a major cause of seasonal allergies.
Edibility: The berries are not considered edible for humans and can cause stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Four showy white or pink bracts
Distinctive oval leaves with curved veins
Bright red berries in autumn
Scaly, blocky bark texture

Height: 4.5 to 9m
Spread: 4.5 to 9m
Leaves: green, red, purple, deciduous
Flowers: white, pink, red, 5 to 10cm
Fruit: red, Late summer to early autumn

Common problems

Dogwood anthracnose — A fungal infection that causes leaf spots and twig dieback.
Powdery mildew — A white fungal growth on the surface of leaves during humid weather.

Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings, grafting
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from temperature fluctuations. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged during dry winter spells.
In containers: It is not well-suited for long-term container growth due to its size and root sensitivity.

Seed

1. Collect ripe berries in autumn.
2. Clean the pulp from the seeds.
3. Cold stratify seeds in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 months.
4. Plant in a well-draining seed starting mix in early spring.

Plant in groups with other acid-loving woodland plants to create a naturalistic forest floor effect.

Grows well with

Azalea — They share similar soil and light requirements.
Hosta — They thrive in the same shady, moist conditions.
Ferns — They provide a natural woodland look and similar moisture needs.

Similar species

Kousa Dogwood — It is a popular alternative that is more resistant to common dogwood diseases.

Science

Family: Cornaceae
Genus: Cornus
Order: Cornales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern North America
Conservation: It is not currently endangered, though wild populations face pressure from dogwood anthracnose.

It thrives as an understory tree in deciduous forests, where it benefits from filtered light and rich, organic soil.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, fruit for birds, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, beetles
Uses: ornamental specimen, woodland garden, pollinator habitat

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: It prefers partial shade, especially in the southern part of its range.
How often should I water it?: Keep the soil consistently moist but well-draining, especially during the first few years.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Cornus comes from the Latin word for horn, referring to the hardness of the wood. The species name florida means flowering.

Good to know

It is the state tree and flower of Virginia.
The wood is extremely hard and was historically used for weaving shuttles.
Fall foliage turns a vibrant, deep red.
It prefers partial shade in warmer climates to protect it from harsh afternoon sun.

Is your flowering dogwood looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.