Vanessa Richins Myers is a seasoned horticulturist, garden writer and educator with 10+ years of experience in the horticulture and gardening space. In early spring cut back about one-third of the oldest, most faded stems. An excellent landscape choice for all four seasons, the white dogwood is a favorite in many yards and gardens. All the times and temperatures you need to know to roast turkey, chicken, beef, and pork for your feast. Dogwood trees are dependent on surface moisture because root networks don't penetrate to water reserves that may lie deeper beneath the slightly acidic well-draining soil they prefer. Spores are spread by wind to surrounding dogwoo… The fruits on this shrub are a brilliant shade of blue. In late summer, younger stems will start to turn from green to red or yellow-green. In spring, it produces a heavenly array of star-like blooms. It may also form colonies in your yard via suckers. Dogwood shrubs let you enjoy many of the characteristics of dogwood trees on a smaller scale. The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained, A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To, Call Your Stylist: These Hair Colors Will Be Everywhere This Spring, 7 Small But Impactful Ways to Fit Self-Care Into Your Day Right Now, Luna, Bella & Lily Top This Year's List of Most Popular Cat Names. The cornelian cherry (also known as European cornel) is a large shrub or small tree that is one of the earliest woody plants to flower each year. Each subsequent spring cut back another third of the stems. Zones 4-8, Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' has variegated leaves, white berries, stunning fall color, and showy red stems in winter. The fruits are a popular food for songbirds. It would look amazing planted en masse in a location where some winter color would be valued. Better Homes & Gardens may receive compensation when you click through and purchase from links contained on this website. It grows best in moist spots and is often found in boggy areas. Popular sizes of select trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc. Current year's growth features outstanding coral-red branches on a multi-stemmed shrub. The genus also includes some species that are best described as subshrubs—fast-growing woody plants that tend to die back in winter to ground level and grow back from buds near the base of the plant. Silky and red osier dogwoods are especially tolerant of consistently moist soil. A few species, however, have leaves that alternate on the stems. Whether it's a tried-and-true 1940s BH&G cookie recipe or a unique twist on sugar cookies, our Test Kitchen's compiled a lot of favorite cookie recipes over the years. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. For those who already own these tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Dogwood shrubs, such as red twig dogwoods, are not to be confused with dogwood trees. Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. We've got the low-down on how to make sure everything from your perennials to your roses are ready when the snow flies. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. It grows 10-15 feet tall and wide. Some people also report skin rashes from contact with the leaves and bark of dogwoods. As for kousa dogwood, this is the opposite of giant dogwood in terms of size, since its height ranges between 3 and ten feet. Rough-leaved dogwood is a native large shrub or small tree, often mistaken for gray dogwood. Dogwood shrubs don't require frequent pruning, but you can intensify winter stem color by removing older canes regularly. Note: You should NOT eat the fruit of this plant, as it is considered mildly toxic. Dogwood trees are a favorite ornamental tree of homeowners — thanks to their modest size and four-season appeal. A popular choice is red twig dogwood, which grows no more than 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. If you see the flowers of these magnificent white flowering dogwood trees it is not too surprising that these plants are so popular among gardeners. The Swedish cornel is another subshrub that has dark purple flowers and white bracts. With species that are native to Asia, Europe, and North America, as well as dozens of cultivars, you'll have no problem choosing a dogwood suited to your purpose. Zones 3-7, Cornus sericea 'Isanti' forms a dense, compact shrub of red stems. When grown in the sun, these deciduous trees reach a height of 15 to 20 feet, but when grown in the shade, they grow up to 40 feet. It is rarely planted in landscapes, except in mountainous alpine gardens. Flowering dogwood has a low-branching habit with a flattish crown. Size. Pacific Dogwood (Cornus Nuttallii) Pacific dogwoods are native to the west coast of North America. The small white flowers appear in clusters called cymes, and have an unpleasant odor. Apply the mulch of your choice such as bark chips 3 to 4 inches deep over roots to hold in moisture. Dogwood trees do not usually need much pruning. Garden Glow Dogwood, Cornus hesseyii 'Garden Glow', is a deciduous shrub with ornamental features. The size of the root ball varies dependent on the size of the tree. As the bark ages, it fades to gray. This winter front door display is layered with holiday cheer. Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' features gray-green leaves edged in … The branches form in layers and the crown is flat, suggestive of a pagoda. Plant Type: Trees. As time goes on, the shade keeps brightening until it becomes very red in winter, providing a perfect contrast to a snowy or bare landscape. This medium-sized shrub, also known as red osier dogwood, will stand out in your landscape with stems that start turning red at the end of summer or beginning of fall. Dogwoods are among the best trees and shrubs for providing year-round interest—from early spring flowers to red summer berries to brilliant fall colors. Arctic Fire ® Red dogwood has beautiful red stems and a compact habit and is at its in the winter sunlight. Root rots and canker disease can occur when conditions are too moist. A tree planted this year will reach full-size in about a decade. Dogwood shrubs should not be missing in your garden. Size. 15. feet. While both shrubs and the trees belong to the same genus: Cornus, the shrubs will never become trees.There are two species of dogwood shrubs: Cornus alba, which is the Tatarian dogwood, and Cornus sericea, which is the Redosier dogwood.Both species are much alike in their cultural needs. Homemade cookies are always a welcome treat. After pollination, they produce a type of fruit known as a drupe. Do not plant in full shade. The Poncho Dogwood may be small, but it is mighty. It is a member of the subgenera Chamaepericlymenum and is a very low growing plant that spreads by rhizomes. With just two weeks until turkey day, the latest information could affect your plans. Many species have edible fruit, though not all actually taste good. You can harvest the fruit of this tree once it has ripened and fallen to the ground, and use it to make liquors, jams, desserts, pickles, and sauces. White “flowers” show their beauty in spring, foliage turns a vibrant red-purple in fall, and glossy red fruits attract winter songbirds for the enjoyment of all. Fall color is not very showy. Young plants may have attractive red stems, but this sometimes fades to dull green in mature plants. Well-balanced soils may not require any fertilizing at all; however, where soils are lacking in nutrients, use a slow-release fertilizer with the correct balance for dogwoods. The white spring flowers are followed by white fruit in summer. Roughleaf Dogwood. In late spring, abundant clusters of slightly fragrant flowers attract butterflies. All Rights Reserved. Bare stems create an attractive winter accent, and are a wonderful addition to seasonal flower arrangements. Feel the coarse hairs found on the leaves in this species and you will see why this is named the rough leaf dogwood. Best used for naturalizing in moist areas. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule. The various common names for this plant will help you identify it. All dogwood shrubs love moist, rich soil. This dwarf variety reaches just 3-5' feet rather than the 8-10' of conventional red-twig dogwood. Grow dogwood shrubs in full sun or part shade and moist soil. Clemson Cooperative Extension has a root ball sizing table available online. 15. feet. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the roots and perimeter of the dogwood shrub with a small plastic scoop. Tatarian dogwood is used as a border, mass, screen or specimen plant in landscapes. With … You may want to avoid planting where anthracnose is known to be a problem. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style. When the pruned dogwood shrub emerges from dormancy in the spring, you'll see an increased number of colorful stems appearing as a result. The oval leaves are about 4 inches long, and the fruits turn cherry red in mid-summer. Infected leaves exhibit marginal leaf scorch, dead patches, reddish discoloration, yellowing and premature defoliation. However, most dogwood shrubs are grown as much (or more) for their fall and winter appearance, rather than the spring flower display. Deep brunettes, sandy blondes, and bold reds are in this year. These tips will help you make time for self-care for a mental health boost every day. Also known a swamp dogwood, silky dogwood is a mid-size shrub that grows wild along streams, ponds and other wetlands across much of the eastern half of the United States. Read on for additional silky dogwood information. Fertilize your dogwood bush in the spring and fall. Plants may be taller than the height minimums. Zones 2-8. It has glossy dark-green leaves with conspicuous veins. This is a good specimen tree for a location with acidic soil and afternoon shade. BH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. Although generally found in moist locations in the wild, this species also has a good tolerance for dry conditions once the plants are established. If you’re a beginner baker who’s just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time or need a quick refresher? Named for the rough textured leaves, it has fleshy white fruit, dark green foliage that turns burgundy red fall color. Use to provide multi-season interest in shrub borders, mass plantings, or as a low hedge. Zones 2-8, This variety of Cornus alternifolia offers gold-edge leaves. Its leaves are elliptical to oval in shape, and dull white flowers in late spring give way to the toxic blue-black fruit in August. Spot anthracnose, septoria leaf spot, and powdery mildew are all common conditions that may affect the leaves of dogwoods. Dogwood trees are widely known for their delicate beauty, and the kousa variety adds a toughness that makes this species an excellent choice for home landscapes and urban areas. Don't let the miniature size fool you. We’ll help you set up a baking kit for beginners with 21 essential tools. The flowers of shrub dogwoods are found in clusters of tiny white blossoms, rather than the big bold blooms of the tree species. Flowers may or may not feature large bracts like those of the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). It can be used as an accent, specimen or key plant, and in … Building your essential baking toolbox starts here! Also known as bunchberry, dwarf cornel, or bog bunchberry, this is a common plant in arctic, tundra-type terrain. That's because young woody stems produce bright red, yellow, or orange-red winter color. Shrub dogwoods range from red osier and tatarian dogwood (the winter superstars that sport brightly colored stems) to silky dogwood and kousa dogwood that are grown for their striking flowers and outstanding fall color. The main differences between the different garden forms of these shrubs are in twig color, and size. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. The form of dwarf dogwoods inflorescence, leaf shape and leaf venation are very similar to its relative, the flowering dogwood tree. The mountain dogwood (sometimes known as Pacific dogwood) is a medium-sized deciduous tree that has an excellent tolerance for shady locations and dry, drought conditions. You can identify a dogwood by looking for smooth-edged leaves with veins that curve parallel to the margins (edges). When conditions are not ideal, they can be susceptible to a large range of bacterial and fungal problems. Height: 8 to . Dogwood trees grow quickly, with a fast rate of over a foot a year. See how you can personalize your home's entrance with holiday front door decorations, including evergreen wreaths, garlands, pinecones, and pops of plaid. Flower color: White is the usual color of the dogwood’s petal-like bracts, but some are pink or even pale red, such as C. florida ‘Rubra’. This item Cornus alba 'Ivory Halo' (Varigated Dogwood) Shrub, white flowers with varigated foliage, #3 - Size Container Shrub Frostproof Gardenia 2.5 Qt, White Blooms Rhododendron X 'PJM Elite' (Rhododendron) Evergreen, lavender pink flowers, #2 - Size Container The dark green leaves evolve through red and orange color before becoming purple in the fall. The best growing zones for this perennial shrub are 2 through 9. Thanksgiving Countdown: A Stress-Free Guide to Hosting for the First Time, 23 of Our Test Kitchen's Best Cookie Recipes of All Time, Conquer Holiday Cooking with This Meat Roasting Guide, The CDC Just Updated Its Thanksgiving Safety Guidelines—Here's What You Need To Know, 5 Simple Ways to Prepare Your Garden for Winter, 21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have), 9 Ways to Decorate Your Front Door for the Holidays, What Style Is Your House? The erect flowering stems are generally 4-8 inches tall. This tree can be trained (as any good dog can be!) While many dogwoods produce fruit that can be used in cooking, a few species have berries that are mildly toxic to people, although birds can eat them safely. Mid-size Shrub A dogwood shrub is a good choice to use as a border plant to decorate the perimeter of a home, along a fence or a property line. All are handsome garden plants that bring a real lift to the lowest season the year – winter. See which names were most popular this year! The stems become green again in the spring. The dark-green leaves are lance-shaped and turn purplish-red in the fall. Dogwoods include a large group of flowering woody trees and shrubs within the genus Cornus. Grab a glass of milk because we're about to dunk peanut butter cookies, oatmeal-raisin cookies, snickerdoodle cookies, and many more of our all-time favorite cookie recipes. Spread: 6 to . And once you know some facts about dogwoods, growing and nurturing these handsome trees is a breeze. It grows 6 feet tall and wide. When purchasing plants, read the plant tag to ensure your growing location matches the plant's moisture requirements. New growth is covered with a fine, white, powdery coating, typically on the upper surfaces of the leaves. Height: 8 to . The Flowering dogwood tree or the red twig dogwood are some of the most beautiful and easy growing shrubs you can grow. This shrub has tan or gray bark that has a mottled, exfoliating texture that can be quite attractive in winter. It grows 10 feet tall and wide. The white flowers give way to red fruits in late summer, which are edible for humans. For optimal display, it is advisable to grow them against a wall that receives ample sunlight from the south or west in winter. With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. Scientific Name: Cornus alba Mature Size: Up to 10 feet tall USDA Hardiness Zone: 2-7 Light: Full sun to partial shade Water: Average moisture needs Soil: Well-draining Flower Color: White Cultivars and Varieties: Cornus alba 'Sibirica'-Siberian Dogwood, Cornus alba 'Kesselringii'-Black Stem Dogwood, Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’-White Dogwood This is another Cornus species that may do well in your shadier spots, though there will be more flowers and fruit if it is planted in a location that receives full sunlight. This species produces yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves appear. 15. This species and the Pacific dogwood are prone to dogwood anthracnose, which can be controlled by pruning away affected branches. Can dogwood trees be transplanted? With either a single short trunk, or several main stems of equal sizes, mature trees are usually at least as broad as they are tall, and often wider. In the home landscape, silky dogwood bushes work well in moist, naturalized areas and do a good job at stabilizing the soil in erosion-prone sites. The tree also makes a visual contribution year-round. Fall color is an attractive burgundy-red or purple. Popular Varieties of Dogwood Shrubs Spread: 6 to . Dwarf dogwood, also known as red-tipped dogwood, is a small compact, mounded shrub reaching 2 to 3 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide. Powdery Mildew: Erysiphe pulchra (formerly Microsphaera pulchra) is the fungus that attacks leaf surfaces and tender shoots and causes powdery mildew. Size. Fall color is purplish to red. Height: 8 to . Our Thanksgiving planning guide is here to save your holiday! Zones 2–8, This Cornus alba selection is a compact shrub featuring white-edge medium green leaves and bright red twigs. Prized for its colorful stems, variegated foliage, and compact size, this dwarf dogwood has brilliant red winter stems and showy, light green leaves with creamy white margins, but at only two-thirds the size of many of its species. From spring to early summer, … Staying atop of your wellbeing is a must, especially during uncertain, stressful times. Its smaller size makes this variety a great breakthrough for smaller gardens or residential landscapes. Your kitty deserves a name as special as she is. Deciduous. Even without manually shaping the tree, a dogwood will usually maintain a nice shape. Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space. They are known for having colorful fall foliage and brightly colored stems that light up the garden in winter. It prefers shade and grows 15 feet tall and wide. Dogwoods are frequently used as flowering specimen shrubs and trees in the landscape. White flowers appear in late spring, leading to white berries in summer—they are edible to birds but should not be eaten by humans. It bears white springtime flowers and purple fruits in summer and fall. The Canadian bunchberry (also known simply as bunchberry or dwarf cornel) is one of two subshrubs in this group. Foliage: This is generally a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, though it can take the form of a small tree with proper pruning. When many people think of dogwoods, this is the plant they envision. Leaves are opposite, simple, 1–5 inches long, ½–2½ inches wide, conspicuously veined, lacking teeth, egg- to lance-shaped; upper surface olive green and rather rough-hairy above; lower surface paler with woolly, dense hairs; leaf stalk slender, rough-hairy, green to reddish. Also known as alternate-leaf dogwood, this plant is one of very few dogwoods that have leaves arranged alternately rather than in opposite positions on the stems. Here are the different types of dogwood species to help you choose what's right for your yard. Like flowering dogwood, this plant is quite susceptible to dogwood anthracnose disease; check with local authorities before planting it, as it may be discouraged. Different Kinds of Dogwood Shrubs for the Garden. Bare root plants are sold by height from the top of the root system to the top of the plant. The shrub reaches a height of between 6 and 8 feet. Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum) is named for the silky gray hairs that cover the undersid… The mature black fruit are a favorite of birds. 12. feet. New leaves emerge purplish-red leaf and leaf tips remain red as the rest of leaf matures to green. Tree width equals or exceeds the height. Mature height generally ranges from 6 to 12 feet. Fall foliage color is red to purple. Also known as northern swamp dogwood, gray dogwood is a deciduous shrub that forms thickets as the underground rhizomes spread. Scale insects and dogwood borers are the most common insect pests affecting dogwoods. By using The Spruce, you accept our, 6 Varieties of Dogwood for Your Landscape, 6 Varieties of Dogwood to Use In Your Landscape, 9 Recommended Species of Serviceberry Trees and Shrubs, 12 Common Species of Magnolia Trees and Shrubs, 12 Common Species of Willow Trees and Shrubs, 12 Trees With Brilliant Fall Color Plus Other Advantages, 40 Species of Pines From Around the World. Water the shrubs well after planting and spread a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch over the root zone to prevent soil-moisture loss. Learn all you need to know about pruning shrubs here. Barbara Gillette is a Master Gardener, Herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist with decades of experience propagating and growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals. Depending on what's growing in your garden, there's a lot you can do to get your ornamental plants ready for the colder months. Dogwood Description. into a nice specimen small tree, or left as a multi-stemmed shrub. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Plant dogwood shrubs in spring or early summer. The red twig dogwood plant, also known as the Cornus sericea is a shrub that truly is at its best during the winter months. Dogwood trees are flowering trees that reach a height range of 15 to 40 feet. Each of these dogwood species may be available in different cultivars that offer unique features, such as dwarf size, variegated leaf color, or unusual bark or stem color. Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas) The cornelian cherry (also known as European cornel) is a large … Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' features gray-green leaves edged in white open on red stems. Red winter stems of 'Cardinal' (Cornus sericea) is a shrub native to Minnesota with colorful red or yellow winter bark that provides great winter interest.As a landscape plant, redosier dogwood is extremely versatile. Manual shaping can be done if desired, though. © Copyright 2020 Meredith Corporation. We reach for them after school and after dinner. The whitish flowers are not very significant, but the white drupe/berries are attractive to birds. It grows 6 feet tall and wide. … Dogwoods are also known for their opposite branching, a characteristic that can be helpful for identifying them. Its flowers are white, although they slowly but surely turn into pink, while its leaves take a rather purplish red color in the fall, right before they start falling off. You will likely need to prune common dogwood yearly (or perhaps even more) to keep it in check, as it can spread. Also known as Chinese dogwood, Korean dogwood, or Japanese dogwood, the Kousa dogwood is a small deciduous tree or multi-stemmed shrub. The small fruits are bright orange or red. The wood is also popular in carving and other forms of woodworking. It produces an abundant display of yellowish-green flowers in spring and pinkish-red berries in summer. Many dogwood shrubs grow well in soil that is wet for short periods during the growing season, which makes them suitable for rain gardens and low spots in the landscape. May be difficult to find in nurseries. Although many are drought to… Water the roots thoroughly and the surrounding ground moderately with the sprinkler attachment of a garden hose. Yellowish white flowers are followed by small blue berries. Tatarian dogwood is adaptable to most planting sites. Look for this species to have new bark that is orange-brown each year. If there is a chance of human consumption or contact, always check out the species before planting it. They're essential to holidays and casual gatherings. This adorable dogwood makes the perfect addition to pathways, outdoor seating areas and smaller landscapes. Fall foliage is sometimes an attractive red-purple. Zones 4-8, Cornus racemosa is an upright North American native shrub with reddish-brown bark that matures to gray. Flowering dogwood is a small deciduous tree that blooms with white, pink, or red flowers in early spring; it is the state tree of North Carolina. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Remove damaged or dead stems at the same time. Dark green leaves, 3 to 6 inches long, turn an attractive red in fall. Cornus drummondii. 'Elegantissima' red twig dogwood. Water plants regularly during the first growing season to promote a strong root system. Most flowering dogwood trees develop into broad, spreading plants with layered branching. But they perform their best when planted in moist, fertile soil; and in a location with dappled light. They certainly can but follow a few tips from this article on how and when to move a dogwood tree. Several species native to North American produce flowers for local pollinators and berries for wildlife. Use them in combination with yellow twig dogwoods for an even more stunning winter display. It is often considered the western version of the flowering dogwood, but with this plant, the white flowers are quite large and the fall color is yellow, orange, or red. These plants are known for providing year-round interest, from early spring flowers to summer berries to brilliant fall color. The Dwarf Dogwood "Poncho" is a Japanese Dogwood that only grows to 8-10 ft., unlike an American Dogwood, which can reach heights of 25 ft. Use a fertilizer that is designed to acidify the soil. Stiff dogwood (also known as swamp dogwood) is a large shrub or small tree. Choose the Size. You could also plant several as a hedge along your property line or … Rough-leaved dogwood is an irregularly branched thicket-forming shrub or small, spreading tree. Some species even have colorful stems that offer winter appeal. The cultivar 'Argentea' is a beautiful variegated variety. Also known as bloodtwig dogwood or European dogwood, this species is an upright deciduous shrub with multiple stems. 12. feet. A member of the Swida subspecies, the fruit of this plant should not be eaten by humans. A slow-release general-purpose balanced fertilizer with a 16-4-9 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is often recommended. Avoid over-fertilizing your dogwood plants, as it can cause the leaves to burn or can even kill the plant. Seasonally, Nature Hills offers hand selected, high quality bare root trees, shrubs and perennials. Add dogwood shrubs to a mixed shrub border or a perennial planting. Red twig dogwood shrubs should be planted somewhere in your yard where they can be easily viewed from a window, to take advantage of their status as top-notch specimen plants for winter landscapes. Lower branches should be pruned away to enhance the appearance of the bark.