The most popular spring flowering tree in Alabama is the flowering dogwood (Cornus Florida). The flowering dogwood is native to the eastern half of the United States. It is a deciduous tree that can grow 15 to 30 feet in height and is generally wider than it is tall. The dog-wood is cold hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is well adapted to the entire state of Alabama. Bracts and Flowers the dogwood adds natural beauty to the landscape year-round. In the spring, the dog-wood’s main attraction is its showy bracts. The bracts are commonly mistaken for the flower, but they are actually modified leaves that encircle the true flowers. The true flowers of the dogwood are small greenish-yellow flowers that bloom shortly after the bracts open in the spring. Commonly, both bracts and flowers are referred to together as the flower. The dogwood begins blooming in late March in the southern portion of Alabama and 2 to 3 weeks later in the northern areas of the state. The bloom duration can last from 2 to 4 weeks. The flower size of the dogwood ranges from 3 to 6 inches across. Flower color of the native dogwood is a creamy white. A naturally occurring variety of the native dogwood, Cornus floridarubra, has pink blooms. Many cultivated varieties have been produced from native dogwoods. These range in color from white, to pink, to red.
Foliage
Besides the grand floral display in the spring, the dogwood produces luxuriant light green foliage. The light green spring foliage turns to a rich green that furnishes light shade in the long, hot days of summer. In autumn, the leaves turn red or reddish purple. The duration of fall color depends on the cultivar but can range from early September to mid-January. The dogwood’s fall color from year to year is consistent, but intensity will vary with environmental conditions. Accompanying this fall foliage are red fruit. These red drupes are1⁄3inch long and are usually in a cluster of three to five. The fruit are devoured by many different species of birds. To round out its year of beauty, the dogwood’s gray-black checkered bark is proudly shown in the winter.
Uses in the Landscape
Dogwoods are versatile in the landscape. They can be used in a grouping or alone. Dogwoods can serve as a corner planting if spaced well away from the house. They also may be used as a back-drop for azaleas or other spring-flowering shrubs. Since they thrive in partial shade, they can be used as an under story tree, especially under the canopy of larger pine trees. The uses of dog-wood are almost limitless, but careful consideration is important for the survival of the tree.
Site Selection
The dogwood will grow in a wide variety of climates and soils. Make sure the chosen site is well drained but does not get extremely dry. Dogwoods also prefer soils that are high in organic matter. The optimal pH range of the soil is from 5.2 to 6.0. If you are not sure of your soil pH, call your county Extension agent for information on how to submit a soil sample for analysis. A site should provide partial shade. Trees planted in partial shade generally perform better than those planted in full sun or deep shade. Trees planted in full sun are smaller and more densely branched, with profuse blooms. However, a full-sun location can be a stressful site for your tree. Full-sun exposure makes the tree more susceptible to the dogwood borer, one of the main causes of death of dogwoods in the landscape. Dogwoods planted in full sun must have an adequate supply of water. Plant dogwood trees in northern or eastern exposures to protect them from the late afternoon sun.
Transplanting
Buy nursery grown trees rather than transplanting trees from the wild. Nursery grown trees are root pruned and grown in prepared soil, which gives the tree a more dense root system that is better suited to withstand stresses of transplanting. Also, selected cultivars offer early blooming with longer and more prolific flowers. Selection and Care of
Nursery-grown trees can be purchased container grown, balled and bur lapped (B & B), or bare root. Purchase only trees that are healthy and well maintained by the nursery. Avoid trees with suckers, weeds, sunken places, or scarred bark on the trunk. Also, look for small holes at the base of the tree, indicating the presence of borers. Such trees are not likely to survive long even in the best site. Proper planting techniques will encourage root growth, which will result in a healthier, vigorous tree. Techniques for planting your dogwood depend on how the tree was grown and harvested.
Container Grown Trees
Planting container grown trees can be done year-round. Optimal planting time is in the fall because it allows enough time for the roots to become well established before the summer heat. Dig the hole at least two to three times wider than the root ball. This will promote more uniform and rapid root establishment in the soil surrounding the root ball. It is not necessary for you to dig any deeper than the root ball. Your tree should be planted no deeper than it was grown in the nursery. In most cases, it is better to place your dogwood slightly above grade. That is, the hole should be dug slightly shallower than the height of the root ball. Gently massage the root ball with your hand to loosen roots and expose them to the native soil. This will encourage better root formation and prevent roots circling in the hole. Refill the hole with the same unamended soil that was taken from the hole. A mixture of one-third organic matter such has peat moss or com-post to two-thirds of soil may be helpful, but in other tree species it does not appear to be necessary. Gently firm the soil around the root ball, and water thoroughly. Build a berm around the planting hole with the remaining back-fill soil if the tree is on a slope or planted in sandy soil (Figure 2).This will direct water to the root zone within the hole. Water once more to ensure that the soil is well settled.
Bare-Root Trees
Bare-root trees are generally less available in retail garden centers than container or B & B plants are and are not commonly used except by landscape companies. Bare-root trees must be planted immediately or moist soil or organic matter put around the roots to prevent the roots from drying out. A bare-root tree should be planted while dormant. Dig the same wide, shallow hole recommended for B & B or container plants. Prune any damaged or diseased roots before placing the tree into the hole. Shovel part of the soil back into the hole so that when the tree is placed into the hole it sits slightly above the original growing line. Next, refill the hole with the remaining soil. The final step is to water the tree thoroughly.
Transplanting from the Wild
Transplanting dogwoods from the wild can be difficult, and the survival rate is usually low. If you choose to transplant from the wild, do so while the tree is dormant. The tree should be small, generally 1 inch or less in diameter. Ideally, before transplanting, root-prune the tree 1 year before moving it. To root-prune, insert a sharp spade in the soil to cut the roots at the point 2 to 3 inches from where the tree will later be dug. Root ball is slightly above grade. Hole is 2 to 3times as wide as the root ball.
Balled and Burlapped Trees
Balled and Burlapped (B & B) trees should be planted when they are dormant from November to March. Planting procedures are very similar to those for planting a container grown tree. However, there are some unique planting practices required for B & B trees. Cut all ties and fold back the burlap into the bottom of the hole. Be sure the burlap is covered by soil because exposed burlap can wick water away from the root ball. Handle the tree by the root ball instead of the stem to prevent cracking the ball and the fragile roots. Avoid dropping the root ball, which can crack the root ball and roots as well as compact the soil in the root ball. When digging up the tree, dig a root ball that is a minimum of 12 inches in diameter for each inch of tree measured 6 inches above the ground. After root pruning, do not disturb the tree for 1 year. This will allow feeder roots to develop close to the tree, enabling the tree to get a better start when it is moved. When ready to move the tree from the wild, dig the tree slightly beyond where it was root-pruned. Place burlap around the root ball to prevent the loss of any soil from the ball. Pin the burlap so it fits snugly around the root ball. Planting procedures are then the same as for B & B trees.
Maintenance after Transplanting
Maintaining your dogwood after planting is essential for the survival of your tree. Container and bare-root trees should be staked if they are planted in a high-traffic or windy area. Also, water and mulch dogwoods to promote a healthy tree. Check for disease and insects throughout the year. Do not prune or fertilize until the second year. Remove all support stakes and ties after the first year. Brace dogwoods larger than 6 to 8 feet high with guys to prevent damage by wind. Stakes may also be used.
General Maintenance Practices
Watering adequately during the first two growing seasons is important to the survival of the tree. Water newly planted dogwoods once or twice a week during the summer and fall. Watering during the winter is rarely necessary. When you water, thoroughly soak the root zone area and beyond. After the first growing season, water provided by rainfall should be adequate unless there is a period of drought.
Fertilizing
Little if any fertilizer is needed during the first growing season. Too much nitrogen fertilizer at an early age can result in stunted root growth and possible injury to the tree. If fertilizing a newly planted tree, apply less than 1⁄4 of a cup of 12-4-8 or similar analysis granular fertilizer per tree. Fertilize established trees twice a year, in February and mid June. An application of 3 oz of nitrogen per 100 square feet of ground area surrounding the tree each time you fertilize should be sufficient. If a fertilizer with 12 percent nitrogen is used, 25 ounces will be needed to supply 3 ounces of nitrogen. When applying fertilizer, scatter it evenly within the 100-square-foot area surrounding the tree. Be sure to water after fertilizing.
Mulching
Mulching is very important. A 3 to 4 inch mulch layer around the tree conserves soil moisture, modifies soil temperature, reduces competition from weeds and grass, and makes the landscape more attractive. A mulched area also acts as buffer zone between the lawn and the tree trunk, preventing careless mower or trimmer damage to the trunk. Pine straw, pine bark, or leaves are good mulches to use around dog-woods. Add more mulch as needed as the mulch layer diminishes.
Pruning
Correct pruning makes trees more attractive and healthier. Dogwoods seldom need much pruning; however, it is necessary to remove dead and injured branches, suckers, and diseased or insect-infested parts.
Cornus Florida rubra
Height: 20 to 25 feet Width: 20 to 25 feet Flower color: Pink Growth rate: Moderate Spring foliage: Light green Summer foliage: Dark green Fall foliage: Red-red purple Cultivars
Cornus Florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ Trade name: Cherokee Chief
Height: 15 feet Width: 15 feet Flower color: Red Growth rate: Moderate Spring foliage: Yellow green Summer foliage: Green Fall foliage: Bronze Remarks: Blooms are a rich ruby red; new growth reddish. Moderately resistant to powdery mildew.
Cornus Florida ‘Cherokee Princess’ Trade name: Cherokee Princess
Height: 15 feet Width: 15 feet Flower color: White Growth rate: Slow Spring foliage: Yellow green Summer foliage: Green Fall foliage: Red Remarks: Heavy white blooms, larger than average. Variable resistance to powdery mildew.
Summary
The attractiveness of the dog-wood explains why it is one of the most popular trees used in the landscape. Selecting a good site and using proper planting and maintenance methods will help the dogwood add beauty to your landscape for many years. If you have further questions about dog-woods, call your county Extension agent. Varieties and Cultivars There are over 100 varieties and cultivars of dogwoods grown in the United States, 20 to 30 of which are commonly grown in the Southeast. Auburn University has ongoing dogwood evaluation trials to help landscape professionals and homeowners make in-formed selections of dogwoods for Alabama.
The following list is a selection of some of the most common varieties and cultivars in the trade.
Cornus Florida
Height: 20 to 30 feet Width: 20 to 30 feet Flower color: White Growth rate: Moderate Spring foliage: Light green Summer foliage: Dark green Fall foliage: Red-red purple.
Cornus Florida ‘Cloud 9’ or ‘Barton’s White’ Trade name: Cloud 9 or Barton’s White
Height: 15 feet Width: 15 feet Flower color: White Growth rate: Slow Spring foliage: Yellow green Summer foliage: Green Fall foliage: Red purple Remarks: These two cultivars were found to be the same based on DNA tests, although powdery mildew appears less severe in Barton’s White in recent trials. Prolific white flowers at a young age.
Cornus Florida ‘Cherokee Daybreak’ Trade name: Cherokee Daybreak
Height: 25 feet Width: 20 feet Flower color: White Growth rate: Moderate Spring foliage: Light green Summer foliage: Variegated Fall foliage: Pink to deep red Remarks: A variegated cultivar with bright green and creamy white summer foliage. White blooms in spring. Moderately resistant to powdery mildew.
Cornus Florida ‘First Lady’ Trade name: First Lady
Height: 25 feet Width: 25 feet Flower color: White Growth rate: Slow Spring foliage: Light green Summer foliage: Variegated Fall foliage: Maroon Remarks: Large white blooms in spring. Leaves are tricolor with yellows and dark and light greens. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Other selected cultivars
Cornus Florida ‘Cherokee Brave’: A relatively new cultivar selected for its red bracts and vigorous growth. Resistant to powdery mildew.
Cornus Florida ‘Fragrant Cloud’: This cultivar has white flowers and is slightly fragrant. It is very similar to the cultivars ‘Barton’s White’ and ‘Cloud 9.’ Moderate powdery mildew resistance.
Cornus Florida ‘Junior Miss’: The “Junior Miss’ is a large flowering form, with the outer portions of the bract pink grading to whitish in the center. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Cornus Florida ‘Pendula’: This is a weeping form with white bracts. Cornus Florida ‘Reddy’: An attractive dogwood with red leaves and bracts. Cornus Florida ‘Welch’s Bay Beauty’: This is white double-form with flowers like a gardenia. It has seven sets of whorled bracts, 4 to5 inches in diameter. It grows to20 feet. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
In addition to the Cornus Florida varieties and cultivars, you may want to consider the Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa) or one of the more recent Rutger hybrids to extend the dogwood blooming season.
Cornus Florida ‘Mystery’ Trade name: Mystery
Height: 14 feet Width: 12 feet Flower color: White Growth rate: Slow Spring foliage: Yellow green Summer foliage: Green Fall foliage: Red purple Remarks: An early flowering cultivar Cornus Florida ‘Purple Glory’ Trade name: Purple Glory
Height: 15 feet Width: 12 feet Flower color: Red Growth rate: Slow Spring foliage: Red green Summer foliage: Purple Fall foliage: Red purple Remarks: This cultivar has red blooms with purple foliage. Susceptible to powdery mildew.
Cornus Florida ‘Cherokee Sunset’ Trade name: Cherokee Sunset
Height: 25 feet Width: 20 feet Flowers: Purplish red Growth rate: Moderate Spring foliage: Red purple Summer foliage: Variegated Fall foliage: Red purple Remarks: An improved red flowering, variegated-leafed variety with distinctive green and yellow summer foliage leaf margins. Reportedly Resistant to anthracnose.
Insects and Diseases
Dogwoods can be severely damaged or killed by insects and diseases. Routinely check for pests throughout the year. Insects and diseases should be correctly identified and controlled with the proper method. Seek help from your county Extension agent or local nursery personnel for proper pest identification and control. Some common insects on dogwoods are the dogwood borer, twig borer, and club gall. Diseases on dogwoods include powdery mildew, anthracnose, crown gall, and trunk canker. Remember, pesticides can be dangerous if improperly used. Always follow the directions carefully and consider all precautions indicated on the label.
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