How to Choose the Best Dogwoods for Your Garden

Your Guide to buying the best Dogwoods

Overview

Dogwoods (Cornus spp.) are a popular ornamental tree in many areas, prized for their showy flowers, colorful foliage, and attractive fruit. Whether you are looking for a small, flowering specimen to accent your garden, or a larger variety to provide shade and year-round interest, this buying guide will help you decide which Dogwood is right for you. Learn what to look for in terms of growth habit, size, and blooming times, and find out how to select a healthy Dogwood for your landscape.

Key features

  1. Location: Where you will be growing Dogwood trees should influence your purchasing decision. Consider the climate, soil type, and amount of shade or sun the trees will receive.
  2. Variety: There are many varieties of Dogwoods from which to choose. Determine the size and shape of the Dogwood you would like, as well as its bloom time, color, and disease resistance.
  3. Root Stock: Grafted and seedling trees are both available, so decide which type of rootstock is best for your needs.
  4. Bare Root or Container Grown: Dogwoods can be purchased as bare root plants or container-grown plants. Consider the cost, convenience, and availability of each when making a decision.

See the most popular Dogwoods on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Low Maintenance - Dogwoods require little pruning and maintenance, and are known for their resistance to pests and diseases.
  • Speed of Growth - Dogwoods grow quickly and can reach heights of up to twelve feet in just a few years.
  • Attractive Bloom - Dogwoods produce white or pinkish-red flowers in spring, which makes them a great addition to any landscape.
  • Four Seasons of Interest - Dogwoods boast green foliage in summer, red berries in fall, and a colorful bark in winter, making them an attractive tree to have in a garden.
  • Versatility - Dogwoods can be used as both a privacy hedge and as an ornamental tree in home landscape designs.

Cons

  • Invasive Species Potential: Dogwoods can become an invasive species in certain parts of the country if not monitored and managed properly.
  • Require Pruning and Maintenance: Dogwoods require regular pruning and maintenance to keep them healthy and looking their best.
  • Susceptibility to Disease: Dogwoods are susceptible to various diseases, such as leaf spot and powdery mildew. Proper maintenance and care can help reduce the risk, but these diseases can still be an issue.
  • Susceptibility to Pests: Dogwoods are susceptible to various pests, including mites, aphids, scales, and borers. Proper maintenance and care can help reduce the risk, but these pests can still be an issue.
  • High Cost: Dogwoods can be relatively expensive to purchase compared to other trees, particularly in larger sizes.

Best alternatives

  1. Crape Myrtle - This flowering tree produces vibrant, pink, purple, white, or red blooms and is often used as an ornamental tree.
  2. Japanese Maple - This slow-growing tree features delicate, lobed leaves and beautiful bark.
  3. American Holly - This evergreen tree is a popular choice for a privacy hedge. It produces white flowers and glossy, green leaves in the shape of a spear.
  4. Oak Trees - These deciduous trees are some of the most popular for landscaping. They produce acorns and typically have large, lobed leaves.
  5. Magnolia Trees - Magnolia trees feature beautiful white or pink flowers and glossy, dark green leaves.
  6. Cherry Trees - These trees are often used in home gardens and are known for their showy white or pink flowers in the spring and delicious fruit in the summer.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

    Dogwood Tree - A deciduous tree, with attractive foliage and beautiful white and pink flowers in the Spring. Soil - Rich, well-drained soil to ensure the tree can root and grow properly. Fertilizer - High-quality fertilizer to ensure the tree receives all the essential nutrients. Mulch - Organic mulch to protect the tree’s roots and help the soil retain moisture. Watering Can - A watering can to ensure the tree is adequately hydrated. Pruning Shears - Pruning shears to help keep the tree in shape. Tree Stakes - Tree stakes to help support the tree while it grows. Pest Control - Pest control products to help keep pests away from the tree.

Common questions

  1. What types of Dogwoods are there? There are four main types of Dogwoods: Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), and Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas).
  2. Are Dogwoods evergreen? No, Dogwoods are deciduous, meaning that their leaves fall off in the winter.
  3. How big do Dogwoods grow? Dogwoods typically grow between 10-30 feet, depending on the variety.
  4. Do Dogwoods like sun or shade? Dogwoods thrive in partial shade, but they can also tolerate full sun as long as they have plenty of water.
  5. Is pruning necessary for Dogwoods? Pruning is not necessary for Dogwoods, but it can help to maintain their shape and control their growth.
  6. How often should I water my Dogwood? Dogwoods should be watered regularly in the summer, especially during periods of extended drought.
  7. Can Dogwoods be planted in containers? Yes, Dogwoods can be planted in containers, provided that the container is large enough and has adequate drainage.

Trivia

Legend has it that the Dogwood tree was once a proud and strong tree, until it was chosen as the timber for the cross on which Jesus was crucified. After the crucifixion, the Dogwood was so grief-stricken that it begged Jesus to never suffer such an indignity again. Jesus, in his compassion, transformed the Dogwood into a twisted and gnarled tree with a blossom that symbolized his cross. The four petals of the Dogwood’s flower each have a distinct notch at the end and a bright red spot in the center, which is said to represent the blood of Christ. Source: https://www.thespruce.com/the-legend-of-the-flowering-dogwood-2132899.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.