flowering dogwood
Cornus florida 'Cloud Nine'
Overview
The 'Cloud Nine' variety of flowering dogwood is an amazing tree, known for its reddish-purple leaves and clusters of white flowers which bloom in the spring. This variety is well suited for gardens and landscapes due to its robust size and intense colors. It can withstand a variety of weather conditions, which makes it a very hardy species. It is also resistant to many pests and diseases, due to its thick bark and the insect-repellent nature of the flowers. Its overall beauty makes it an ideal choice for residential landscapes and the amazing flowers, colorful foliage and strong structure make it an eye catcher all year round.
Care Guide
Watering
Water Flowering Dogwood every 5-7 days in spring & summer, allowing the top 2-3 inches of the soil to dry out before watering. During winter & fall, water the tree only when the soil is dry; if it stays wet, the tree may suffer from root rot. Make sure to water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
Light
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida 'Cloud Nine') needs full sunlight, but some afternoon shade is beneficial in hot climates. During the summer months, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, with some afternoon shade. In the spring and fall, it can tolerate slightly less sunlight (approximately 4-5 hours each day) but should still receive enough sun to ensure healthy blooming of its white or pink flowers. In general, it should receive at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day, with some afternoon shade if available.
Soil
Acidic, Well-drained
Temperature
Hardiness zone 6–6.
Pruning
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida 'Cloud Nine') should be pruned once a year during the late winter-early spring, just before new growth begins to appear, usually sometime in February. The majority of pruning should focus on removing deadwood and cross branches that could potentially weaken the structure of the plant. Some light shaping of the plant is ok, as well as selectively helping to increase flowering and fruiting levels. Pruning should be done with care, as to not leave behind large cuts that could be potentially damaging to the health of the plant.
Propagation
Grafting Propagation, Cutting, Layering Propagation, Air Layering Propagation, Seed Propagation
Diseases & Pests
Common pests: Anthracnose, Canker, sap rot, Diptera - true flies, Fungal leaf spot, Mildew, Nematodes, Root rot, Scale insects, Stem borer insects, Thrips, Deer resistant .
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