Maintenance Landscaping Design

Red dogwood is a beautiful, deciduous shrub that is perfect for adding color and interest to your landscape. This plant is known for its vibrant red flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The flowers are followed by crimson fruits that are enjoyed by birds and other wildlife. Red dogwood is a relatively easy plant to grow and care for, making it a great choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.

Popular name

• cornelian cherry
  
• dogwood
  
• English dogwood
  
• European dogwood
  
• red-osier dogwood

Good to Know

• The scientific name for red dogwood is Cornus florida.
  
• Red dogwood is a native plant to North America.
  
• The tree typically blooms in late spring or early summer.
  
• The flowers are small and have four petals that are typically white with a hint of pink.
  
• The tree produces small, red fruits that are about the size of a marble.
  
• These fruits are popular with birds and other wildlife.
  
• The wood of the red dogwood is hard and dense, making it ideal for use in furniture and flooring.
  
• The tree has a long list of traditional medicinal uses.
  
• Red dogwood is considered an invasive species in some areas.
  
• The tree is an important food source for bees and other pollinators.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

Planting Process

1. For red dogwood, first step is to find a suitable location. It should be in an area with full sun to partial sun.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the soil. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter.
   
3. The third step is to plant the tree. The best time to plant is in the spring.
   
4. The fourth step is to water the tree regularly. Red dogwood needs to be kept moist, but not too wet.
   
5. The fifth step is to fertilize the tree. Apply a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in the spring and summer.
   
6. The sixth step is to prune the tree. Prune to shape in the late winter or early spring.
   
7. The seventh step is to protect the tree from pests and diseases. Apply a pesticide or fungicide if needed.
   
8. The eighth step is to enjoy the tree. Red dogwood is a beautiful tree that will add interest to your landscape.
   
9. The ninth step is to harvest the fruit. The fruit is ripe when it is red and starts to soften.
   
10. The tenth step is to prepare the fruit. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used in recipes.

Related plant:
Privacy Hedges

The Soil

About soil condition, Red Dogwoods prefer low-lying, moist, and well-drained areas. They are not drought tolerant and will not survive in areas that are constantly wet or have standing water. They also cannot tolerate long periods of drought. The ideal soil pH for Red Dogwoods is 5.5 to 6.5.

Light condition

Like the other dogwoods, the red dogwood tree prefers full sun to partial shade—a minimum of four hours of direct sunlight each day is ideal. While young trees will tolerate more shade, they may not flower as prolifically in shady locations. Once established, this tough tree is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, from dry to wet, and from acidic to alkaline.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for red dogwood is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Above or below this range, the tree may experience stress that can cause problems with growth or even death. For example, if the temperature rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the tree may experience scorching of the leaves, which can lead to leaf drop. If the temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the tree may experience dieback of the branches.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or less. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. The flowers will also start to wilt and the plant will become very stressed.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, usually the plant does best with a 5-10-5 or similar fertilizer. Be sure to water the fertilizer in well. For the root, the plant is native to North America and prefers a deep, humus-rich, organically-rich, moist but well-drained soil.

Light requirement

Pruning your red dogwood (Cornus florida) is essential to keeping it looking its best. You should prune it in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. First, remove any dead or diseased branches. Then, cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Finally, trim back any branches that are longer than the others. This will help to keep your red dogwood healthy and looking its best.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of red dogwood is usually done by rooting hardwood cuttings taken from the plant in late fall. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants. Before planting the cuttings, dip the ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the cuttings moist and in a shady location until new growth appears, which usually takes about four to six weeks. Once the new growth appears, transplant the cuttings to their permanent location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 2.5 inches a year. However, one study found that some red dogwoods can grow up to five inches in a year. The study also showed that the more leaves a red dogwood has, the faster it will grow.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, and root rot. Many of these problems are due to the fact that the tree does not have enough space to grow. When planting red dogwood, make sure to give it plenty of room to grow. Additionally, water the tree deeply and regularly to help prevent these problems.

Tips on Growing

• Remember to water your red dogwood regularly, especially when the weather is hot and dry.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help keep the soil moist.
  
• Fertilize your red dogwood every spring to encourage new growth.
  
• Prune any dead or diseased branches from the plant as needed.
  
• Avoid planting red dogwoods in areas that are prone to flooding.
  
• Choose a planting site that has well-drained soil and full sun.
  
• Space red dogwoods at least 10 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation.
  
• Stake taller varieties of red dogwood to prevent them from toppling over in strong winds.
  
• Protect young plants from deer and rabbits by surrounding them with a fence or netting.
  
• Review the plant labels carefully before purchasing to make sure the variety is suited for your growing conditions.

You May Like

• Kousa 'Miss Satomi' (red dogwood)
  
• Kousa 'Weihenstephaner Gold' (red dogwood)
  
• Kousa var. chinensis (Chinese red dogwood)
  
• Kousa 'Wolf River' (red dogwood)
  
• Kousa 'Yellow', also known as 'Yellow Bird' (red dogwood)
  
• Cornus amomum (swamp dogwood)
  
• Cornus canadensis (bunchberry)
  
• Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)
  
• Cornus kousa (Korean dogwood)
  
• Cornus mas (cornelian cherry)

Source:
Red Osier Dogwood | Yale Nature Walk
Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) - Carleton College
Cornus alba (Red-Barked Dogwood, Siberian Dogwood, Tatarian Dogwood ...