Flowering Dogwood

Choosing Your Flowering Dogwood: You’re about to plant a beautiful Flowering Dogwood, a tree known for its stunning spring blooms and vibrant fall colors. As a beginner, it’s best to start with a young tree from a nursery rather than seeds. Look for a healthy sapling that has strong branches and fresh leaves.

When to Plant: The best time to plant your Flowering Dogwood is in the early spring or fall when the weather is mild. Avoid planting during extreme heat or cold spells—your tree will thank you!

What You’ll Need:

• A young Flowering Dogwood tree (sapling)
• A shovel
• Compost or well-rotted manure (optional but helpful)
• Mulch (wood chips or bark work well)
• Watering can or hose

Picking the Right Spot: Flowering Dogwoods love partial shade—they don’t like being in full sun all day, but they also don’t want deep shade. Find a spot where your tree gets morning sun and some afternoon shade. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter; if your soil feels too sandy or heavy with clay, mix in some compost to improve it.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide:

1. Dig the Hole:
   Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball of your sapling but no deeper than the root ball itself. This gives the roots plenty of space to spread out without sinking too deep into the soil.
2. Prepare the Soil:
   If your soil isn’t very rich, mix in some compost or well-rotted manure with the soil you’ve dug out. This will give your tree a nutrient boost as it settles in.
3. Place the Tree:
   Gently remove the sapling from its container and loosen the roots slightly if they’re tightly packed. Place the tree in the center of the hole. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground—don’t bury the trunk too deep.
4. Fill the Hole:
   Backfill the hole with the soil mixture, gently pressing down as you go to eliminate air pockets. Don’t pack the soil too tightly; the roots need room to breathe and grow.
5. Water Thoroughly:
   Give your new tree a good drink of water right after planting. This helps settle the soil around the roots and reduces transplant shock.
6. Add Mulch:
   Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, keeps the roots cool, and prevents weeds from growing.

Watering: Your Flowering Dogwood needs regular watering, especially during its first year while it’s getting established. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on how dry the soil feels. If it rains, you might not need to water as often. Stick your finger into the soil—if it feels dry an inch or two down, it’s time to water.

Feeding: In early spring, give your tree a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer (something labeled for trees and shrubs works great). Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the tree. Once a year is usually enough.

Sunlight and Shade: Remember, Flowering Dogwoods prefer a mix of sun and shade. They thrive best with morning sunlight and some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, especially in warmer climates.

Pruning: Prune your tree lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or crossing branches to keep the tree looking tidy and healthy. Be careful not to over-prune, as Flowering Dogwoods bloom on old wood—cutting too much can reduce next year’s flowers.

Winter Care: In colder regions, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree before winter sets in. This helps protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Young trees may benefit from wrapping burlap around them for extra protection against harsh winds.

Wait, Harvesting? Not Really!

Unlike tomatoes or peppers, Flowering Dogwoods aren’t plants you "harvest" in the traditional sense. However, they do produce small red berries in the fall after flowering. These berries are mostly enjoyed by birds and wildlife, so sit back and watch nature take its course.

If you’re lucky, you might see some birds feasting on the berries. But remember, these berries aren’t edible for humans, so let the squirrels and birds have their feast!

Instead of harvesting, your “reward” with this tree is enjoying its gorgeous spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. Over time, your Flowering Dogwood will become a beautiful focal point in your yard, bringing color and life to your garden for many seasons to come.

Q: Why are my dogwood leaves turning brown at the edges?

A: Brown leaf edges could mean your tree is getting too much sun or not enough water. Make sure it’s getting some shade during the hottest part of the day and water deeply if the soil feels dry.

Q: My dogwood isn’t flowering. What’s wrong?

A: It might be too young—dogwoods often take a few years to start blooming regularly. Also, ensure it’s getting enough sunlight and isn’t over-fertilized, which can delay flowering.

Q: Can I plant a dogwood near my house?

A: Yes, but make sure it has enough space to grow. Dogwoods typically reach 20-30 feet tall and wide, so plant it at least 10-15 feet away from structures or other large trees.

Q: How fast does a Flowering Dogwood grow?

A: It’s a slow to moderate grower, gaining about 1 foot per year. Patience is key! It will take a few years to fully mature, but it’s worth the wait.

Q: Is the dogwood tree prone to pests or diseases?

A: Dogwoods can sometimes suffer from pests like borers or diseases like powdery mildew. Keep an eye out for unusual spots or holes in the leaves. Prune affected areas quickly and avoid overhead watering to prevent disease.