Cornus florida f. rubra
flowering dogwood
This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: full sun to part shade
- Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Tiny, yellowish-green flowers in May, surrounded by showy, reddish-pink flower bracts, and curled mid-green leaves turning red-purple in autumn. This conical, deciduous tree or shrub is an excellent specimen for the smaller garden. For the best results choose a site with fertile, humus-rich, neutral to acid soil, since it dislikes alkaline soil. - Garden care: Incorporate a quantity of composted pine needles or well-rotted leaf mould when planting. Requires minimal pruning.