Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Feel the soil 2 inches deep to check for excess moisture.
- Inspect the base of the plant for mushy or discolored bark.
- Ensure the planting site is not in a low spot where water pools.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and wilt even though the soil is wet, and the base of the stem feels soft.
What to do: Improve soil drainage by mixing in organic compost or grit. If the plant is in a container, ensure it has drainage holes and is not sitting in a saucer of water.
Overwatering
PossibleHow to tell: The soil surface remains constantly saturated and the plant shows signs of general decline.
What to do: Adjust your watering schedule to every 7 to 14 days, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry out. Never let the roots sit in standing water.
Find out what's wrong with your common 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
Root rot is serious and can kill the plant if left untreated. If the stems are black and mushy at the base, the damage is likely irreversible.
Stopping it coming back
Plant your dogwood in well-draining soil and avoid watering if the ground is already damp.
Common dogwood: root rot? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Can I save a plant with root rot?
- If caught early, you can stop watering and improve drainage. If the roots are already black and slimy, the plant usually cannot be saved.
- How do I know if my soil drains well?
- Dig a hole 1 foot deep and fill it with water. If it takes more than a few hours to drain, your soil is likely too heavy.
More problems with Common dogwood
- Why are there spots on my Common dogwood leaves?
- Why are my Common dogwood leaves curling?
- Why are my Common dogwood leaves turning yellow?
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- Why is my Cornus sanguinea losing its leaves?
- Why is my Cornus sanguinea not flowering?
- What are the pests on my Cornus sanguinea?
Back to the Common dogwood guide
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.