Overview
Cornus florida rubra is a bushy tree in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 6.0 m tall. Cornus florida rubra grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens. It is native to Eastern North America.
About
Cornus florida, the flowering dogwood or American dogwood, is a species of flowering tree in the family Cornaceae native to eastern North America and northern Mexico. An endemic population once spanned from southernmost coastal Maine south to northern Florida and west to the Mississippi River.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus florida
About the genus
Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods or cornels, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cornus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cornus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cornus florida rubra size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 6.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
- Native to
- Eastern North America
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cornus florida rubra
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Grafting
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Cornus anthracnose, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cornus florida rubra?
Cornus florida rubra prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cornus florida rubra need?
Cornus florida rubra is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Cornus florida rubra grow?
Cornus florida rubra reaches a height of 6.0 m.
Is Cornus florida rubra hardy in the UK?
Cornus florida rubra has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cornus florida rubra?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Grafting.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Cornus genus
- Cornus florida 'Fastigiata'Flowering Dogwood
- Cornus kousa 'Tsukuba No Mine'Kousa Dogwood
- Cornus mas 'Kazanlak' (F)cornelian cherry 'Kasanlaker'
- Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'Common dogwood
