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Cornus florida

flowering dogwood

A small tree or large shrub with large, broadly oval, mid-green leaves that turn red and purple in autumn. In late spring, clusters of small, green flowers are surrounded by conspicuous white or pink bracts, followed by rounded, orange-red fruit

Other common names
American box
blood twig dogwood
see morecommon white dogwood
eastern flowering dogwood
false box wood
North American green osier
Synonyms
Cornus candidissima Mill.
Benthamidia florida Spach
see moreBenthamidia florida Nakai
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Pink White Green
Summer Green
Autumn Purple Red Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E Canada, E USA, Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. Keep roots cool with a mulch in summer and provide shelter in exposed locations. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus

Get involved

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