CORNUS: Dogwood
Redtwig Dogwoods make up the most popular Dogwood shrubs. They show off brightly colored decorative bark in winter when many other plants are resting. Twig color varies from dark maroon to coral to yellow depending on species and variety. Most have green leaves with a few variegated forms available. Small white flowers occur in clusters in spring followed by white to blue fruit in late summer.
Generally, Redtwig Dogwoods grow fast to 8-12’ tall & wide with dense branching and foliage. A few lower-growing and dwarf forms are available as well. Most grow very fast, are very tough, adapting to many different soils and light conditions and withstanding temperatures as low as -50 degrees.
Here are some of our favorites.
Cornus alba ‘Ivory Halo’
Cornus sanguineum ‘Midwinter Fire’
Cornus sericea
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5050 SE Stark, Portland, OR
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Cornus sanguineum
‘Midwinter Fire’
FACTS: CORNUS
Family: Cornaceae
Genus: Cornus
Common: Dogwood
Origin: 45-50 species native to Asia, Europe and North America. Several species are native to the Pacific Northwest.
Characteristics: The genus is made up of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Flowers are borne in clusters that are sometimes surrounded by modified leaves called bracts. Often the bracts are confused with flowers as they are brightly colored and showy in spring.
Leaves are opposite except for Cornus alternifolia and Cornus controversa. Variegated leaf-forms exist but most species have medium green leaves that turn red & purple in autumn.
Fruit is 2 seeded and ranges in color from white to pink to red.
Size: Tree-form Dogwoods range in size from 15’ to 35’ tall
Shrub-form Dogwoods range from 12” to 15’ tall
Herbaceous Dogwoods – 3-6” tall forming a mat
Culture: Cultural needs vary widely.
Success with Dogwood trees - Many Dogwood trees grow as under story trees in their native habitats, thriving with filtered sunlight and soil that has built perfect structure after years of leaves and needles dropping and composting on the forest floor. It is rare to find such conditions within city limits.
For best results:
1. Site the tree in a spot that gets sunshine in the morning & shade in the afternoon. Too much shade will inhibit flowering and fall color, too much sun can burn leaves. If you ignore this and choose a spot with full sun, realize that the tree will require more water in summer and may have scorched leaves.
2. Mix compost and EB Stone Sure Start Fertilizer into the soil when planting.
3. Add water even if it’s raining.
4. Add a layer of mulch over the surface of the roots, taking care to leave the trunk clear.
5, During the first year the tree will require regular irrigation. Water deeply for 20-30 minutes, enough to soak the root system. Water infrequently, maybe twice a week when temperatures are in the 80-90 degree range. More if temperatures are hotter, less if it is colder. Soaker hoses and Tree Gators.work well to provide slow-release deep watering. When tree roots are established, they require less irrigation. See Tree Gators
6. Lawn watering that is daily and shallow is not appropriate for establishing healthy root systems in trees.
Diseases: Dogwoods are prone to several fungal diseases. The Oregon State University website has great disease photos and information for treatment.