Dogwood trees are a stunning addition to any landscape, known for their vibrant blooms and distinctively shaped leaves. With a variety of species and cultivars available, these trees offer something for every garden, from the classic white flowering dogwoods to unique varieties with striking red or pink blossoms. If you’re thinking of adding a dogwood to your yard, understanding the different types and how to care for them will help you choose the right one for your space.
Caring for dogwoods is relatively straightforward, though each type has its own specific needs when it comes to soil, sunlight, and watering. Whether you’re looking for a tree that provides colorful flowers in the spring or one that offers beautiful fall foliage, the dogwood family has plenty to offer. With a little attention, these trees will reward you with years of beauty and shade.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
The Flowering Dogwood is a classic choice for many gardeners due to its beautiful pink and white blossoms. Reaching heights of up to 30 feet, this tree prefers well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade. To care for it, water regularly during dry spells and mulch to retain moisture.
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to maintain a healthy structure. With proper care, your Flowering Dogwood will provide stunning seasonal interest with its vibrant autumn foliage and red berries that attract birds. Its graceful branches make it a striking feature in any landscape.
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
The Kousa Dogwood is admired for its star-shaped flowers and resistance to pests and diseases. This Asian native thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Regular watering is vital, especially during the first few years of growth.
In fall, the Kousa Dogwood’s leaves turn a brilliant reddish-purple, adding vibrant color to gardens. Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead branches. Its unique bark pattern adds winter interest, making it a year-round attraction. Gardeners appreciate its low-maintenance needs, making it an excellent choice for both novices and experts.
Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)
The Pacific Dogwood, native to the western United States, is known for its creamy white flowers and impressive height, often reaching 40 feet. This tree prefers cool, moist conditions and acidic soil.
To ensure its health, provide regular deep watering and mulch to protect roots. Prune carefully to maintain shape and remove any deadwood. The Pacific Dogwood’s striking autumn foliage ranges from yellow to red, providing a colorful display. Its resistance to pests makes it a resilient option for gardeners seeking a large, beautiful tree with minimal upkeep.
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
The Red Osier Dogwood is famed for its vivid red stems that brighten winter gardens. This hardy shrub grows best in wet soils, making it ideal for waterside planting. Regular pruning encourages new growth, which enhances stem color.
During spring, it produces clusters of small white flowers, followed by white berries that attract wildlife. In fall, its leaves turn a stunning shade of red-purple. Considered a versatile plant, it can also be used for erosion control. Its striking winter presence and adaptability make it a favorite among landscapers and gardeners.
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas)
The Cornelian Cherry Dogwood offers early spring interest with its bright yellow flowers. This small tree or large shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to various soil types.
Its red, cherry-like fruits are not only beautiful but also edible, often used in jams and preserves. Prune after flowering to maintain a desired shape and encourage thicker foliage. Its attractive bark adds winter interest, while the fruit attracts birds. This dogwood’s adaptability and ornamental value make it a versatile choice for gardens and landscapes.
Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii)
Roughleaf Dogwood is a resilient native to North America, featuring clusters of white flowers and blue-black berries. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a variety of soil conditions.
This tree is beneficial for wildlife, attracting birds and butterflies. Regular watering and occasional pruning of dead branches help maintain its health. Its leaves turn a lovely bronze color in the fall, adding seasonal interest. Gardeners appreciate this species for its hardiness and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions, making it a perfect choice for naturalistic landscapes.
Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Pagoda Dogwood is named for its distinctive horizontal branching pattern, reminiscent of pagoda roofs. This unique structure adds visual interest to any garden. It prefers partial shade and rich, well-drained soil.
In spring, creamy white flower clusters bloom, followed by blue-black berries. Prune to enhance its natural shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. The leaves turn a beautiful reddish-purple in the fall. Its architectural form and seasonal beauty make it a standout choice for understory planting in woodland gardens.
Giant Dogwood (Cornus controversa)
The Giant Dogwood is an impressive species known for its large size and striking architectural form. It can grow up to 50 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for larger spaces. This tree prefers well-drained soil and partial shade.
Its broad, spreading branches are adorned with clusters of small white flowers in spring, followed by dark berries. Fall brings a vibrant display of orange and red foliage. Prune as needed to encourage a strong structure. The Giant Dogwood’s commanding presence and seasonal appeal make it a favorite for parks and expansive gardens.
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)
Silky Dogwood is a versatile shrub known for its adaptability to wet conditions, making it ideal for planting near water features. It produces clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by distinctive blue fruits.
This species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Regular pruning promotes healthy growth and enhances its natural form. Its fall foliage turns an attractive shade of burgundy, adding seasonal color. Gardeners value its ability to attract wildlife and stabilize soil, providing both ecological and aesthetic benefits.
Bunchberry Dogwood (Cornus canadensis)
Bunchberry Dogwood is a charming, low-growing groundcover native to North America. It features delicate white flowers in late spring, followed by bright red berries. This plant prefers cool, moist environments and acidic soil.
Ideal for woodland gardens, it requires minimal maintenance once established. Simply ensure consistent moisture and mulch to retain soil temperature. Its leaves turn a lovely shade of red in the fall. Bunchberry’s compact size and seasonal interest make it a popular choice for adding texture and color to shaded areas in gardens.
Japanese Dogwood (Cornus officinalis)
Japanese Dogwood, or Cornus officinalis, is valued for its vibrant yellow flowers and attractive red berries. This small tree or large shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soil types.
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and remove dead wood. Its bark exfoliates to reveal an interesting texture, adding year-round visual appeal. The fruits are edible and often used in traditional medicine. Japanese Dogwood’s ornamental and practical qualities make it a unique addition to diverse garden settings.
Stiff Dogwood (Cornus foemina)
Stiff Dogwood, also known as Swamp Dogwood, is a resilient shrub that thrives in wetland areas. It produces clusters of white flowers in early summer, followed by blue-black berries. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist soil.
Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages robust growth. In fall, its leaves turn a pleasing shade of purple. Stiff Dogwood is excellent for wildlife gardens, providing food and habitat for birds. Its adaptability to challenging conditions makes it a valuable addition to naturalistic landscapes.
Bloodtwig Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Bloodtwig Dogwood is renowned for its striking red stems, especially vibrant in winter. This adaptable shrub grows well in both sun and partial shade, thriving in moist, well-drained soil.
It features clusters of white flowers in late spring, turning into black berries by summer. Prune in late winter to enhance stem color and shape. In addition to its visual appeal, it provides excellent habitat for wildlife. The Bloodtwig Dogwood’s bold winter presence and easy care make it a favored choice for adding year-round interest to gardens.
Yellow Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’)
Yellow Twig Dogwood is a standout shrub for winter gardens, with its striking yellow stems. This variety of Red Osier Dogwood thrives in moist soils and full sun to partial shade.
In spring, it blooms with small white flowers, followed by white berries that appeal to birds. Prune in late winter to promote new growth and vibrant stem color. Its foliage turns a warm yellow in the fall, adding seasonal charm. Known for its durability and bright winter presence, Yellow Twig Dogwood is an excellent choice for landscape highlights.