Flowering dogwood Cornus florida

Water

of plants Cornus florida, commonly known as flowering dogwood, should be watered deeply and infrequently to prevent root rot. A thorough watering once every 7-10 days is usually sufficient for flower dogwood, depending on the weather and soil type. Be sure to check the soil for moisture prior to each watering, as the plant does not appreciate "wet feet." To water flower dogwood, water the soil deeply around the base of the tree until the soil is completely saturated. Avoid overhead watering, as water droplets on the leaves may cause fungal diseases. A deep, thorough watering should apply approximately 1” of water to the soil.

Light

Cornus florida thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. It should be placed in a spot that receives several hours of morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid exposing the plant to the hot afternoon sun as this can cause damage.

Temperature

The best lighting conditions for Cornus florida are full sunlight for at least 6 to 8 hours per day. In the summer, temperatures should range between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and in the winter, temperatures should range between 20 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

green To prune a Cornus florida, use sharp pruning shears and trim off any dead, diseased, or damaged stems appearing in the spring. Pruning can also be done to control shape, control size, reduce excessive branching, and to promote flower production. Prune during the dormant season, usually late winter or early spring. When pruning, avoid removing more than 1/3 of the branches each year. Over-pruning will stunt the development of the tree.

Soil

The best soil mix for Cornus florida consists of 1 part coarse sand, 1 part loam, and 1 part peat moss. The soil should have a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Additionally, adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil can provide a nutrient boost for your Cornus florida.

Repotting

bold Yes, you should repot Cornus florida periodically, ideally every 2-3 years.

Humidity & Misting

The optimal relative indoor humidity for a Cornus florida (flowering dogwood) is best kept at around 50-60%. To increase the humidity, place the pot in a shallow pan filled with water and pebbles or mist the leaves regularly. To decrease the humidity, use a fan pointed towards the plant and make sure it is not near a heat source.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  The best conditions for Cornus florida to grow indoors include a minimum temperature of between 65° Fahrenheit and 75° Fahrenheit, a well-drained potting soil that is allowed to dry out between waterings, bright, indirect light, and a pot that is at least 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.

• Outdoor

  Cornus florida does best in full sunlight, with temperatures between 50-90°F. It should also have well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5. The ideal soil should be continually moist, yet well aerated. If soil is too wet, it should be mulched. Cornus florida needs to be planted in an area with good air circulation and should be pruned to the desired size, with at least 6-8 feet of space between trees.

• Hardiness zone

  Plant Hardiness Zones

Life cycle

Cornus florida is a deciduous flowering shrub native to the east coast of the United States. It typically grows to 12-15 feet in height and width producing clusters of 4-petaled white flowers in the spring. The flowers produce small, dark purple fruits which develop by summer. After pollination, the flowers produce small, berrylike drupes that mature to blue-black in fall. In late summer and autumn, the leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, purple, and red. In the winter, the leaves are shed and the bark flakes off to reveal brown to reddish-brown bark and branches. The plant is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.

Propogation

• Propogation of the Cornus florida plant can be accomplished through the use of softwood cuttings, bud and stem cuttings, grafting, air-layering, and by seed. Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring or summer and should be placed in a rooting medium at a temperature between 70-75°F. The cuttings should be about 4-8 inches long and should remain moist until rooting has occurred, which will usually take around 4-6 weeks. Bud and stem cuttings should be taken in the spring and fall and placed into a rooting medium at a temperature between 68-74°F. The cuttings should be between 2-4 inches and after 4-6 weeks when roots have developed, the plants should be ready to be transplanted. Grafting can be done in late winter when the plants are dormant. A whip and tongue is the most common method and consists of taking two branches and cutting them at an angle and them interlocking them, then tying them together with tape. It is important that the two branches come from the same species. It takes up to a month for the grafts to heal and they should be kept in a dry and warm place. Air layering is done in late winter when the plants are dormant and consists of wounding the stem and wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss, then wrapping the moss in plastic to keep it moist. The moss should be kept moist and when ignored roots have developed, the stem can be cut off and planted as a separate plant. Seedlings can also be planted in late summer or early fall. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until germination has occurred. The young plants should be grown out in rows at least 8 inches apart and in full sun or partial shade.