Dogwood Tree Plant Care
Cornus florida L.
Cornus florida, the flowering dogwood or American dogwood, is a species of flowering tree in the family Cornaceae native to eastern North America and northern Mexico. An endemic population once spanned from southernmost coastal Maine south to northern Florida and west to the Mississippi River.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
0–100°F
40–70%
What Is the Dogwood Tree?
Dogwood Tree (Cornus florida) belongs to the Cornaceae family within the Cornus genus. Dogwood Tree is native to eastern North America and northern Mexico. Dogwood Tree is also known as Flowering Dogwood, American Dogwood, White Dogwood.
Dogwood Tree displays a deciduous tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 20 inches tall with a spread of approximately 15 inches. Dogwood Tree produces clusters of small, showy flowers in white, pink, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dogwood Tree?
Cornus florida requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dogwood Tree Need?
Dogwood Tree thrives in full sun to part shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Dogwood Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
200–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dogwood Tree Prefer?
Cornus florida grows best at temperatures between 0°F and 100°F. Dogwood Tree prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
0–100°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dogwood Tree?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Dogwood Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Dogwood Tree?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dogwood Tree?
Dogwood Tree can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to kousa dogwood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Dogwood Tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dogwood Tree?
Dogwood Tree is susceptible to dogwood borer, scale insects, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dogwood Tree Need?
Dogwood Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5 – 9. Native to eastern North America and northern Mexico, Dogwood Tree is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Dogwood Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5 – 9
Keep exploring plants
Dogwood Tree is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cornus genus — compare its care with other Cornus species on PlantoScan.
Dogwood Tree tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Cornus Species
Other Cornus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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