Dogwood Tree Care Tips: How to Grow a Dogwood Tree

Dogwood trees are flowering, deciduous trees with a variety of species native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Some varieties of dogwood plants are large shrubs and others are small trees. Dogwood trees bloom late spring flowers and grow dark green leaves that turn a red fall color. In the fall, some species of dogwood trees grow red berries that attract songbirds.

There are several types of dogwood trees. Consider a few of the most common species.

1. 1. Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida): Native to North America, the flowering dogwood tree is the state tree of Missouri. Flowering dogwoods form white flower clusters with large bracts. Cultivated varieties of this species include the pink dogwood, red dogwood, and white dogwood trees.
2. 2. Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa): The kousa dogwood is native to East Asia. Kousa dogwood trees typically bloom in late spring, which is slightly later than flowering dogwoods. Kousa dogwood trees have unique fall foliage with a red-purple hue.
3. 3. Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii): Also known as the mountain dogwood, this ornamental tree produces showy white bracts that can grow as large as three inches long. Pacific dogwoods grow natively in Western North America and thrive in cool, nutrient-rich soil.
   
4. 4. Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas): Native to Europe and Asia, Cornelian cherry dogwoods receive their common name from red fruits that resemble cherries. In the early spring, Cornelian cherry dogwoods produce small yellow flowers.

Dogwood trees are low-maintenance plants that grow well in USDA hardiness zones five through nine.

1. 1. Plant your dogwood tree in part shade. Although dogwood trees can survive in full sun, most species thrive in partial shade with filtered light. Dogwood trees are understory trees that live well surrounded by taller trees or other shrubs.
2. 2. Fertilize your soil. Depending on the health of your soil, consider using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Dogwood trees do best in slightly acidic soil with an abundance of organic matter.
   
3. 3. Water your dogwood tree. Water your dogwood tree immediately after planting. Continue watering once or twice a week until your plant is fully established. Water more often if your specific dogwood plant lives in an arid climate.
4. 4. Add a layer of mulch. Place mulch around the base of your dogwood tree to keep moisture in the soil. Be sure to leave a few inches of space around the trunk of the tree to prevent rotting.
5. 5. Prune your dogwood tree. If your dogwood tree species requires pruning, cut branches in late winter to early spring when the tree is dormant. Keep an eye out for diseases like dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew. If you notice disease, prune back infected branches immediately.
6. 6. Pests: Avoid damaging the bark of your dogwood tree as this leaves it more vulnerable to dogwood borer insects. Use a natural insecticide on any infested areas on your dogwood tree.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.