Chinese dogwood Plant Care

Chinese dogwood (Amesiodendron chinense) belongs to the Sapindaceae family within the Amesiodendron genus. Chinese dogwood is native to China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Chinese dogwood is also known as Chinese flowering dogwood, Amesiodendron.

Chinese dogwood displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 30 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Chinese dogwood produces small clusters of white or cream-colored flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese dogwood every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese dogwood thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Amesiodendron chinense tolerates temperatures of 60–85°F. Chinese dogwood prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Chinese dogwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese dogwood every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese dogwood is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese dogwood can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 30 ft (9 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese dogwood while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Chinese dogwood is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese dogwood can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

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Chinese dogwood is susceptible to scale insects, aphids, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese dogwood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Chinese dogwood is native to China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam. In cooler regions, grow Chinese dogwood as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.