flowering dogwood
Cornus florida 'White Cloud'
Overview
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida 'White Cloud') is an amazing ornamental tree. It has spectacular white, star-like flowers that bloom in early spring, followed by clusters of red fruits in the summer and attractive bronze-red foliage in the fall. It is also disease and pest resistant and is widely adaptable to different soils. The White Cloud variety is especially prized for its large, creamy white bracts and white-tinted leaves. This tree can be planted as a single specimen for its showy flower and fruit display, or planted in groups for a dramatic effect. Flowering dogwood is an incredible investment for any garden, bringing beauty and value year-round.
Care Guide
Watering
Watering Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida 'White Cloud') should be done on a regular basis throughout the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist. This species typically needs approximately 1 to 2 inches of water per week, however this can be altered depending on the specific conditions in your area and the season. Watering should be done in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not shining directly on the plant, to reduce evaporation. Be sure to monitor the soil moisture closely, as Flowering Dogwood does not tolerate sitting in wet, waterlogged soil. It is important to note, however, that during drought conditions, additional water may be needed to keep the plant healthy and thriving.
Light
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida 'White Cloud') requires at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The best time of day for your flowering dogwood to receive sunlight is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. during the growing season when the sun is at its strongest. During this time of day, direct sunlight is ideal for your plant. It should not be exposed to intense afternoon sunlight, however, as this can cause too much heat and stress for the plant. Additionally, the plant should receive some shade in the late afternoon and early evening to avoid overheating.
Soil
Acidic, Well-drained
Temperature
Hardiness zone 6–6.
Pruning
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida 'White Cloud') needs to be pruned once a year in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Start by removing any dead, diseased, crossing, or broken branches, and then shorten any overly vigorous branches as needed to keep your plant in a natural shape. Thin out overcrowded branches to direct the energy of the plant, and open the center of the plant to light and air circulation. Prune out any suckers that may appear. This pruning should be light and selective to keep the plant healthy and maintain its structure.
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 .
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow flowering dogwood.
