Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida 'Rainbow' (v)
ABOUT
The 'Rainbow' variety of the flowering dogwood is a captivating ornamental plant known for its stunning foliage and aesthetic blooms. Its leaves are variegated, featuring a mesmerizing combination of green centers with margins of creamy white and often tinged with shades of pink, especially as they emerge or during cooler temperatures. The foliage undergoes a transformative display of colors, with the leaves turning to vibrant shades of red and purple as the seasons transition into autumn. During the spring, the flowering dogwood produces a breathtaking floral show. It is adorned with large, showy bracts which most people mistake for the flowers. These bracts are typically white but may have hints of pink, and they surround a cluster of small, inconspicuous yellowish flowers at the center. The bold contrast of the variegated leaves and the white or pink-tinged bracts brings a spectacular splash of color to any landscape. Adding to its ornamental value, the flowering dogwood also bears glossy red fruit, which is highly attractive to birds and other wildlife. The fruit clusters contribute an additional layer of visual interest to the plant during the late summer and fall. The structure of the 'Rainbow' dogwood is elegantly branching with a rounded canopy, presenting an overall graceful and layered appearance. This combination of seasonal colors, striking variegated foliage, and wildlife-friendly fruit makes the 'Rainbow' dogwood a cherished addition to gardens, irrespective of its specific dimensions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cornaceae.
Synonyms
Rainbow Flowering Dogwood, Variegated Flowering Dogwood.
Common names
Cornus florida 'Rainbow'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Flowering Dogwood is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it could cause minor reactions if ingested. The seeds, leaves, and bark contain substances that can cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms of ingesting parts of the Flowering Dogwood might include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is generally advisable to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants due to potential adverse effects.
To pets
For pets, the Flowering Dogwood is also not known to be highly toxic. If pets, such as dogs or cats, were to ingest parts of this plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which could manifest as symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Even though toxicity is low, it is best to prevent pets from consuming plant material to avoid any potential discomfort.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Variegated
Flower color
White
Height
15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)
Spread
15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Cornus florida 'Rainbow' is known for its beautiful variegated foliage that adds color and visual interest to gardens.
- Seasonal Interest: This plant provides year-round interest with flowers in spring, variegated leaves in summer, and colorful berries and foliage in autumn.
- Wildlife Habitat: It produces berries that are a food source for birds and provides shelter and nesting sites for various wildlife.
- Shade Tolerance: It is capable of growing in areas with partial shade, making it versatile for different garden settings.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help to stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes and in naturalized areas.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Cornus florida 'Rainbow' has a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens that experience occasional dry spells.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Material: The wood of the flowering dogwood is hard and can be used for making small items such as tool handles and intricate carvings.
- Wildlife Shelter: Flowering dogwood provides shelter and nesting sites for a variety of birds and small mammals in its dense foliage and branches.
- Nature Photography: Its striking spring bloom and radiant autumn colors make the flowering dogwood a popular subject for nature photography enthusiasts.
- Edible Fruit: Although not widely known for its fruit, the berries can be used to make jams and jellies, but they are sour tasting and not commonly eaten fresh.
- Landscape Drawing: Artists frequently depict the distinct appearance of the flowering dogwood in paintings, drawings, and landscape art.
- Educational Tool: Due to distinct seasonal changes, the flowering dogwood can serve as an educational tool to explain plant life cycles to students.
- Dye Source: The bark of the flowering dogwood contains tannins that can be used for creating natural dyes for fabrics.
- Ink Ingredient: The rich tannins found in the bark were historically used to make certain types of ink.
- Litter Improvement: The leaves of the flowering dogwood decompose into a rich humus that can improve soil fertility and structure over time.
- Winter Interest: The tree's red berries and textured bark add visual interest to a winter landscape, helping to break up the monotony of a predominantly white and grey scene.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Flowering Dogwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Flowering Dogwood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: The Cornus florida, commonly known as the Flowering Dogwood, often embodies resilience because of its ability to withstand various climates and its strong wood.
- Purity: With its bright white flowers, the Flowering Dogwood is frequently synonymous with purity and innocence.
- Christian symbolism: The plant is often associated with Christianity, particularly Easter, as the four petals of its flowers can represent the cross. The red stamens have been likened to the crown of thorns.
- Renewal: As a deciduous tree that blooms profusely in the spring, the Flowering Dogwood symbolizes renewal and the beauty of new beginnings.
- Love undiminished by adversity: Reflecting the tree's strength, it is said to represent love that remains strong even through hardships.
WaterThe Flowering Dogwood should be watered deeply, allowing the soil to be moist but not soggy. New plantings require watering twice a week, gradually reducing to once a week until established. During dry periods, water mature trees every two to three weeks. Each watering session should provide about 1.5 gallons per square yard of root spread. Regular monitoring of soil moisture helps determine the need for additional watering.
LightThe Flowering Dogwood thrives in partial shade to full sun. However, it prefers an area where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. The dappled shade beneath taller trees often creates ideal conditions for this understory species.
TemperatureFlowering Dogwoods do best in a temperature range of 65°F to 75°F during their growing season. They can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to about -20°F. Still, the ideal temperature for optimal growth and flowering is within the milder range without extreme variations.
PruningPruning the Flowering Dogwood is necessary to remove dead or diseased branches, to shape the tree, and to encourage a strong structure. The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Light pruning should be done annually, with more extensive pruning every three to five years.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Flowering Dogwood prefers well-draining, rich soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. A mix of loam, compost, and pine bark would provide an ideal growing medium for this ornamental tree.
RepottingFlowering Dogwoods are typically not repotted as they are outdoor trees, but they may need transplanting every few years if grown in a container. Ensure minimal root disturbance during the process.
Humidity & MistingFlowering Dogwoods thrive in moderate to high humidity levels but are quite adaptable to various atmospheric conditions as long as the soil moisture is adequate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and ensure the pot has good drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Flowering Dogwood 'Rainbow' begins its life cycle when the seeds, often dispersed by birds, find a suitable environment in well-drained soil and germinate, typically in spring. As a seedling, it slowly establishes a root system and begins to grow its distinctive oval leaves and erect stem. The juvenile stage follows, characterized by rapid growth and the development of branches which forms the tree's characteristic shape, but without significant flowering. After several years, typically between 3 to 7, it reaches maturity and begins its reproductive phase, producing clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers surrounded by large, showy bracts that blossom in spring. The tree annually enters a period of dormancy in the fall, when leaves change to red or purple and eventually drop, conserving energy for the winter. Throughout its lifespan, which can be several decades, the tree will repeat this cycle of growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy, with proper care and environmental conditions ensuring its health and longevity.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Cornus florida 'Rainbow', commonly known as the Flowering Dogwood, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer when new growth is mature enough yet still soft, usually around May to June. To propagate by this method, a gardener would cut a four- to six-inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length of stem with several leaves attached. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end of the stem is typically dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist under high humidity conditions, often using a plastic covering to retain moisture. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, at which point the new plant can slowly acclimate to less humid conditions before being transplanted outdoors.
