Flowering dogwoods delight the eye with colors and shapes from spring to late autumn. When the growing season for the trees and shrubs begins, they beautify the garden with a striking display of flowers. In autumn, the foliage develops intense red tones.

Depending on the variety, the flowering dogwood flowers white or pink

Table of Contents

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  1. origin
  2. leaves
  3. blossom
  4. growth
  5. use
  6. Edible
  7. Which location is suitable?
  8. What soil does the plant need?
  9. What is the best planting time?
  10. The right planting distance
  11. Propagating flower dogwoods
  12. Flower dogwood in the pot
  13. Properly cut flower dogwoods
  14. Water dogwood flowers
  15. Fertilize flower dogwood properly
  16. How do I plant correctly?
  17. Diseases
  18. pests
  19. Flower dogwood does not bloom
  20. brown leaves
  21. sorts

    22. origin

    Various species of the dogwood genus, which bears the Latin name Cornus, are known in German as flower dogwoods. This group includes shrubs that develop showy flowers with white or bright red hues. Their range extends across North America and East Asia. They grow on fresh soil in the undergrowth or on the edges of deciduous and coniferous forests.

    leaves

    The leaves are arranged opposite. Two leaves sit opposite each other on the branch. They are divided into leaf blade and stem. The blade is simple in design and has entire margins. It grows between seven and twelve inches long and is oval-shaped. The conspicuous leaf venation is typical for all dogwood species. Lateral nerves branch off on both sides of a raised midrib and run in a curved shape to the tip of the leaf.

    When flowering dogwoods sprout, the young leaves appear yellowish to green. As the growing season progresses, they change color to a dull green. In autumn, the leaves turn orange-red to purple. They fall from the branch just before the onset of winter and decompose comparatively quickly.

    blossom

    The flowers appear shortly before or with the leaves. About 20 individual flowers are crowded together to form small spherical to umbel-shaped inflorescences. It is not the petals that are decoratively tinted white or pink. The inconspicuous flowers are framed by strikingly large bracts, which take on the function of petals due to their coloration. They serve to attract insects as potential pollinators.

    The buds are formed in autumn. They are between five and ten centimeters long and indented at the top. After unfolding in spring, the bracts are joined together at their tips. Only later do they separate and stand free. Depending on the species and variety, the buds open between the end of April and the end of June. Young flower dogwoods are not yet in full bloom. It takes a few years for the bracts to appear in their final size.

    growth

    Flowering dogwoods grow as multi-stemmed shrubs or as a small tree with a main stem and crown. They grow between four and seven meters high. In individual cases, the species can reach heights of growth of up to twelve meters. If crowns are developed, they appear in a broadly spreading to rounded shape. The side branches grow almost horizontally. Young twigs have a greenish bark that turns reddish when exposed to sunlight. With age, the branches turn gray and tend to crack.

    The trees are flat-rooted. They develop a creeping root system just below the soil surface. The roots react sensitively to soil compaction, injuries and flooding.

    use

    Cornus species are popular ornamental trees that are planted individually. The tree-like growing representatives need a lot of space so that they can spread their expressive crown unhindered. The shrub-like representatives are suitable for plant arrangements with other species. They harmonize with red fan maple species or witch hazels that develop yellow flowers. Flower dogwoods can be combined with topiaries. They loosen up the overall picture so that it appears less strict.

    Flower dogwood can be combined with various perennials. They cut a fine figure in the background of perennial plantings. Late bloomers such as autumn anemones, silver candles or monkshood provide color contrasts.

    Here the woods set accents:

    • in a bucket on the balcony
    • in courtyards and front gardens
    • in house entrances and driveways

    Edible

    The fruits of the flower dogwood are not poisonous. Most species develop red berry fruits that are bland in taste. They consist of a thick shell and have comparatively little flesh. Cornus kousa 'Teutonia' develops thick berries with a fruity taste. They're ready to harvest once they're fully red and slightly soft.

    Which location is suitable?

    Flowering dogwood grows in a well-drained and loose substrate. They prefer a sheltered location in the sun and like high humidity. The different species tolerate calcareous or loamy soils differently. The North American species require sandy soil with a pH in the acidic or slightly acidic range. East Asian species also grow on loamy or slightly calcareous soils.
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    What soil does the plant need?

    The soil should be rich in humus. Moist conditions are ideal, but no waterlogging should occur. A drainage made of gravel ensures that the water can seep away easily. The Asian species and varieties are less demanding when it comes to soil conditions.

    The root area likes a cool and moist soil. Plant the tree disc with weak-growing ground cover. They help maintain the moisture conditions of the substrate at a constant level. Alternatively, you can mulch the soil or cover it with a layer of bark compost.

    What is the best planting time?

    Planting in autumn is possible. However, young plants have little time to develop a strong root system before winter. Spring is more suitable for planting. Wait for the last late frosts.

    The right planting distance

    With tree-like flower dogwoods, make sure that no other shrubs interfere with crown development. It is better for these species to be settled individually in open spaces. Shrubby representatives can be placed in plant arrangements. Here you have to consider the growth width of the respective species so that the plants are not too close together later.

    You have to consider this when planting:

    • Root ball should be above ground level
    • do not carry out any digging work in the area of the tree disc
    • Thoroughly loosen the soil

    Propagating flower dogwoods

    Flower dogwoods can be propagated by seed. The first fruits are developed from the fifth or sixth year of life. Pick the ripe fruit and remove the pulp from the pit. Place the seed in a pot filled with potting soil. Place the planter in a semi-shady place and keep the substrate evenly moist.

    After the plant has grown about 20 centimeters high, it can be planted outside. Get the plant used to the outside conditions by placing the pot outside. There should be no more frosts, as these damage the young plant.

    In spring, you can divide shrubs and gain daughter plants. These plants can be cultivated in a container or planted immediately in the garden. Since this method saps energy from the mother plant, it should only be done infrequently.
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    Flower dogwood in the pot

    Flower dogwood species are suitable for cultivation in pots. Tub trees do not grow as tall as their outdoor counterparts. If they are provided with a large enough planter, they will quickly adapt to the conditions. A pot with a volume between 30 and 50 liters is ideal. Fill the planter with a loose mixture of garden soil and coconut fibers. An optimal water and nutrient supply is necessary so that the wood does not wither. In winter, make sure you have adequate protection against frost, as the roots in the bucket can freeze very easily.

    Place the pot in a bright location where sunny hours alternate with shady hours. Flower dogwoods provide an aesthetic change on the balcony.

    Properly cut flower dogwoods

    Flowering dogwoods rarely need pruning. If the shrub has become too tall or affects neighboring plants, thinning out makes sense. A pruning ensures that older specimens are brought back into shape.

    Wait until the last flowers have withered before pruning. Later pruning measures can affect bud development in autumn. Avoid a radical cut. A clearing of the crown is better. Cut off the outer shoots at their base that spoil the overall picture.

    The hybrid 'Venus' forms hardly any branches. In order to promote dense growth, a targeted pruning in spring is recommended for this variety. Older plants also tolerate such pruning measures well.
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    Water dogwood flowers

    Flowering dogwoods prefer balanced moisture conditions in the substrate. Prolonged drought damage the trees just as much as waterlogging. Water the plants regularly. If they grow in sunny locations, the need for water increases. Use rainwater or very soft tap water, as many species do not tolerate lime.

    A layer of mulch on the bottom ensures that the substrate remains evenly moist. The mulch (€239.00) also supplies the plants with additional nutrients.

    Fertilize flower dogwood properly

    The species do not require additional fertilizer if the soil is regularly mulched. If plant growth stagnates, it makes sense to add nutrients. Provide the wood with manure or compost. You should not use liquid fertilizers as there is a risk of over-fertilization. Excessively high nutrient concentrations endanger the plants even more than an undersupply.

    How do I plant correctly?

    If the flower dogwood has to be moved, you should wait for the leaves to drop in autumn. The wood is then in a state of rest. Since the plants react sensitively to radical pruning, you should not prune flower dogwood before transplanting.

    Cut a large root ball and slide sturdy planks under the roots to lift them out of the hole. This measure is well suited to loamy soils, as the root ball develops a compact clump with the soil. Loose substrate crumbles off. If your flower dogwood grows in sandy soil, you should lift the wood slightly and pull a thick plastic film under the root ball. You can then tie the foil together at the base of the trunk to lift the root system and surrounding soil out of the hole.

    The new location should be prepared so that you can plant the wood quickly. Make sure you water it regularly in the first year so that the roots can grow well in the new place.

    Diseases

    The American flower dogwood is particularly susceptible to the anthracnose, also known as leaf blight. This fungal infection spreads under trees that are in too humid locations. It expresses itself through small spots on the leaves. With a strong spread, the leaves die off, but the bush does not immediately shed them. With a strong spread of the fungus, the entire plant can die. The Asian flower dogwood is largely resistant to this disease. When buying, pay attention to the vitality of the plant and avoid trees whose leaves are spotted.

    Powdery mildew can infest. This fungus leaves a white coating on the upper surface of the leaf that can be easily wiped off. Its spores spread in warm and dry conditions. Leaves and flowers can die if powdery mildew is not combated.
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    pests

    One of the pests that occasionally occurs is the juniper leaf miner. If the tree is affected, its shoot tips turn brown. Remove the shoots in time. In Central Europe, the American flower dogwood is often populated by the white-berry medlar. It lives semi-parasitically and uses its roots to extract water and nutrients from the shoot axis of the flower dogwood.

    Flower dogwood does not bloom

    It takes several years for flower dogwoods to flower for the first time. It can take five or more years for the first flowers to develop. An unsuitable location or incorrect care measures can also lead to the trees not blooming. If the summer months are too cold and very cloudy, flower dogwoods avoid developing their flowers. They require warm and sunny conditions and an optimal water supply.

    Measures for first aid:

    • pour penetrating
    • Check pH
    • fertilize
    • examine health status

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    brown leaves

    If the flower dogwood develops brown leaves in late summer, insufficient water supply may be the cause. Especially in the hot summer months, the water requirement increases and the wood has to be watered every day. Depending on the soil type, the amount of water you need to give the plants will decrease or increase. Sandy soils should be watered more frequently, while clayey soils will hold water longer.

    tips

    The layered growth of the flower dogwood is not only aesthetically pleasing. The growth form proves to be the perfect shade provider. The tree-like representatives in particular can create small, secluded places in the garden as a solitary plant. A bench directly in front of the wood invites you to linger from spring to autumn.

    sorts

    • American Flowering Dogwood: Slow growing. Bracts white, flowering period between May and June. Growth height between 400 and 600 centimeters.
    • Pacific Dogwood: Suitable for mild winter regions. Bracts white, flowering period between May and June. Growth height between 300 and 600 centimeters.
    • Japanese Flowering Dogwood: white bracts with greenish-yellow flowers, blooms between May and June. Growth height between 300 and 600 centimeters.
    • Chinese Flower Dogwood: Drought tolerant. Flowers white, flowering time between June and July. Growth height between 500 and 800 centimeters.
    • Venus: Hybrid of Japanese and Pacific flower dogwood. Robust, keen to grow. Flowers creamy white, bracts up to 15 centimeters in diameter.
    • Cherokee Chief: variety of the American flower dogwood. hardy. Bracts intensely pink in color.
    • cloud nine‚: variety of the American flower dogwood. hardy. Bracts colored white, plentiful.
    • rubra: variety of the American flower dogwood. Tolerates neither waterlogging nor lime. Bracts colored in shades of red with variable intensity.
    • Eddie's White Wonder: variety of the American flower dogwood. Reliable flowers with white bracts, flowering time in May.

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Trees