Variegated dogwood is a plant that is native to North America. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow to be about 15 feet tall. The leaves of the variegated dogwood are green and have white spots on them. The flowers of the plant are white and grow in clusters. The fruit of the variegated dogwood is a small, red berry.
Related plant:
Variegated Dogwood Tree
Related plant:
Variegated Privet
About soil condition, the variegated dogwood prefers humus-rich, moist, well-drained soils, but it is adaptable to other types of soil as long as it is not allowed to dry out. It does not tolerate salt.
Not too different with other dogwoods, the variegated dogwood prefers full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate more sun in cooler climates, but some afternoon shade is still necessary to prevent leaf scorch. The variegated dogwood is a slow-growing tree, reaching a height of only 20 feet at maturity. It has a spread of 15 feet, making it a good choice for small yards.
The temperature condition that is best for the growth of the variegated dogwood is a cool to cold climate. The ideal temperature range for this tree is between -10 and 10 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, but it will not thrive in warmer climates.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% or lower, as it is native to areas with little to no rainfall. It can, however, tolerate short periods of high humidity. If the plant is kept too moist, however, it is susceptible to diseases such as root rot.
For the fertilizer, this type of plant does best with a 5-10-5 fertilizer ratio. You should apply the fertilizer once a month, during the growing season. As for the roots, this type of plant has a fibrous root system.
Pruning is important for variegated dogwood, as it helps to keep the plant tidy and to ensure that the variegated leaves remain visible. It is best to prune in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any stems that are overgrown or that are crossing over each other. Also, remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems.
Propagation of variegated dogwood is best done by softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long and should be taken from new growth that has not yet hardened off. It is important to use a rooting hormone on the cuttings and to keep them moist until they have rooted. Once roots have formed, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 6 to 12 inches per year. Some newer cultivars have been bred for slower growth rates. Reaching a height of 20 to 30 feet, this dogwood is a popular understory tree in natural settings and in home landscapes. It features green leaves with creamy-white margins and small, white flowers in spring, followed by white berries in fall.
Common problems for this kind of plant are root and stem rots, borers, scale, mites and twig canker. The best way to avoid these problems is to plant the tree in well-drained soil and to water it regularly. If you see any of these problems on your tree, you should contact a professional tree service to have the tree treated.
Source:
Dogwood Tree Varieties: Rutgers Licensing and Technology:
Ivory Halo Dogwood | The UFOR Nursery & Lab - University of
PAGODA DOGWOOD - CORNUS ALTERNIFOLIA | The UFOR
