Dogwood Trees
Dogwood trees are a true spring showstopper. Known for their soft, elegant “flowers” and graceful branching, they bring beauty to the landscape in every season.
Fun fact: those iconic “flowers” aren’t actually flowers at all. They’re bracts, or modified leaves that surround the tiny true flowers in the center. But since they’re the colorful part we all love, we’ll call them flowers here.
From classic native varieties to newer hybrids, dogwoods offer something for every garden style.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
The Flowering Dogwood is one of the most beloved native trees—and for good reason.
- Size: 15–20 feet tall and wide
- Growth habit: Horizontal branching with a layered, elegant look
- Light: Sun to partial shade
- Soil: Prefers acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
In spring, it’s covered in soft white blooms. By fall, it produces small, glossy red berries that birds love, along with stunning crimson-red foliage.
While some disease concerns exist, healthy trees grown in the right conditions perform beautifully.
Popular Flowering Dogwood Varieties
If you love the classic look but want something a little different, there are several standout varieties:
Pink Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Rubra’)
- Soft pink to deep pink-red blooms
- Similar shape and size to white dogwood
- Slightly less cold-hardy buds
‘Cherokee Brave’
- Red flowers with white centers
- Burgundy-red new growth
- Vigorous and eye-catching
‘Cherokee Princess’
- Large, bright white blooms (up to 5” across)
- Early and heavy flowering
- One of the best white selections available
Chinese Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
If you’re looking for a dogwood with improved durability, Chinese Dogwood is an excellent choice.
- Size: 20–30 feet tall and wide
- Bloom time: Flowers 2-4 weeks later than Cornus florida
- Features: Star-shaped white blooms, excellent disease resistance
It’s also more drought-tolerant and produces unique, raspberry-like pink to red fruit in late summer.
The Best of Both Worlds: Stellar Series
The Stellar Series hybrids combine the beauty of native dogwoods with the durability of Chinese varieties.
- Cross between Cornus florida and Cornus kousa
- Improved disease resistance
- Vigorous growth
- Bloom timing falls between the two parent species
‘Stellar Pink’ is a standout, with soft pink blooms and a strong, uniform growth habit.
Other Dogwood Options
Looking for something a little different? These lesser-known dogwoods are worth a look:
Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)
- Very early yellow blooms (before most trees leaf out)
- Bright red fruit in mid-summer
- Extremely hardy and underutilized
- Grows 15-20 feet tall
Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
- Distinctive tiered, horizontal branching
- Fragrant white flowers in flat clusters
- Fruit transitions from green → red → blue-black
- Prefers part shade and moist, well-drained soil
Perfect for naturalized areas or adding architectural interest to the landscape.
Growing Tips for Success
No matter which variety you choose, a few key care tips will help your dogwood thrive:
- Plant in well-drained, acidic soil
- Provide sun to partial shade (some afternoon shade is beneficial)
- Water during dry periods, especially when young
- Keep the base weed-free and add mulch to retain moisture
- Fertilize in spring for healthy growth
Good air circulation and proper spacing can also help prevent disease issues.
Dogwood trees are a classic for a reason. With their graceful shape, stunning spring blooms, vibrant fall color and wildlife-friendly fruit, they offer year-round beauty in almost any landscape.
Whether you prefer the charm of a native flowering dogwood, the resilience of a kousa variety or something a little more unique, there’s a dogwood that fits your space perfectly.
Plant one and you’ll be rewarded with a tree that truly shines in every season.