Does fertilizer help with blooming?

Too much nitrogen fertilizer can encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Use a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring if the soil is poor.

Why did my tree bloom last year but not this year?

This is often due to weather fluctuations. If the previous winter was very mild followed by a hard frost, the buds likely died before they could open.

Kousa dogwood: not flowering, causes and fixes

Check these first

Check the age of your tree, as young ones take several years to bloom.
Look for brown, shriveled buds that failed to open.
Assess how many hours of direct sun the tree gets daily.

Likely causes

Late spring frost
Most likely
How to tell: The flower buds were present but turned brown and shriveled before opening. This happens when a sudden cold snap hits after a warm spell.
What to do: There is nothing you can do once the buds are damaged. If a frost is predicted in early spring, you can cover the tree with a light cloth overnight.
Insufficient light
Possible
How to tell: The tree looks healthy and green but never sets flower buds. It is likely growing in too much shade.
What to do: If your tree is in deep shade, consider trimming back overhanging branches from nearby trees to let in more light. Kousa dogwoods need at least six hours of sun to bloom well.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your kousa 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.

When to worry

It is normal for a young tree to take 5 to 7 years to start flowering. If it is mature and still not blooming, check your light levels.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your dogwood in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid heavy pruning in the late summer or fall, as this can remove next year's flower buds.

Kousa dogwood: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kousa dogwood and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does fertilizer help with blooming?: Too much nitrogen fertilizer can encourage leaf growth at the expense of flowers. Use a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring if the soil is poor.
Why did my tree bloom last year but not this year?: This is often due to weather fluctuations. If the previous winter was very mild followed by a hard frost, the buds likely died before they could open.

Why is my Kousa dogwood not producing flowers?