Flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) are deciduous trees native to the eastern half of the United States. Let’s see how to care for a dogwood tree. These trees can add beauty to the landscape all year round. It is interesting to learn how to grow them. Flowering dogwood trees range in color from white to pink or red and typically bloom for about two to four weeks in early spring. They also add color in summer and fall, with rich green foliage color in summer and reddish purple leaves in fall. This is often followed by brilliant red berries in winter. Proper dogwood maintenance will bring these beautiful trees to their peak beauty. If you want a garden landscape tree with notable ornamental value and one that will provide year-round interest, look no further than dogwoods.
In their natural habitat, dogwoods are understory trees, which are surrounded or protected by other larger trees. Therefore, when caring for dogwood trees, this should be considered before placing them in the landscape. Locating these trees on the edge of wooded areas or in groups is often more suited to their natural environment. They can also be used as a backdrop for azaleas or other spring-blooming shrubs. Eastern flowering dogwoods can be grown in sun or shade. Trees planted in partial shade frequently give better results. Trees planted in full sun can be stressful, making them more susceptible to dogwood borers and heat stress. For maintenance of flowering dogwoods, dogwoods planted in full sun should also rely on frequent watering, especially during very hot weather.
Propagation
Cornuses can be propagated in a variety of ways: from seed, softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings, hardwood cuttings, grafting and even suckers, with each method being well suited to the season. Virtually any variety of these trees can be propagated by at least two of these methods. Propagating dogwoods from seed is troublesome and is a method best left to the experts. Trees grown from seed also take several years to fully mature. Grafting is the method of choice, but this method also requires good expertise. Although you can grow some dogwood varieties from cuttings without too much difficulty, you will need to adapt the method to the variety as well as the season, after which you will need to prune properly and watch patiently, as it will take years to mature. .
Most dogwoods need supplemental water during the summer and fall. For maintenance of flowering dogwoods, regular watering once a week to a depth of 15cm should suffice. However, adding a generous layer of mulch will help retain moisture, minimizing watering chores. Most established trees do not need fertilizer. If you choose to fertilize young dogwood trees, use only a small amount of slow-release fertilizer. Dogwood trees rarely need pruning, however, it may be necessary to remove dead branches, suckers and diseased parts. Shape your large garden with trees to keep it more attractive. Flowering dogwood trees are considered “tappers,” meaning they bleed sap if pruned in late winter. Summer is the perfect time to take care of all the pruning tasks.
The best soil for dogwoods is loose, fertile, very well-drained soil. Dense or heavy soils are not suitable. Sandy loam amended with organic humus, homemade compost, peat or a combination of these would be perfect. It may have a layer of gravel or pearlite. Dogwoods prefer acidic soils. Cornus Florida and other varieties require acidic soils. They will not thrive in soil close to neutral pH. Soil pH in the moderately acidic to slightly acidic range should work well. Cornus Kousa and its cultivars also need acidic soil, but the slightly acidic to neutral range is best for these varieties. Ideally, potted dogwoods should be transplanted from mid-winter to spring. Do not transplant them in the fall. Assess the condition of the soil in your garden carefully.
Common issues to consider when properly caring for a dogwood tree.
Dogwoods are generally very pest-free trees. Asian varieties plus C. nuttallii and, in particular, C. Florida and its cultivars (but not other American species) are susceptible to anthracnose cornus. It is a fungal disease that causes leaf spotting, defoliation and stem dieback. Cornus anthracnose cannot be treated by the home gardener. This disease requires the attention of a professional botanist or horticulturist. Dead leaves and affected parts of the tree should be removed and destroyed. You can avoid fungal diseases, root rot, etc. making sure the tree is planted in the correct type of soil, that the pH of the soil is not alkaline, that it is not located in full shade, and that the soil does not remain wet or waterlogged of water.