Overview and History
With dozens of species across the world, dogwood has been a part of human history for centuries. And since the 1800s, this group of trees and shrubs has become a garden favorite in North America.
From stunning flowers to colorful stems and berries, these plants offer qualities that are right at home in gardens. Among the tree species, you’ll find showy flowers, distinct bark, and beautiful form. Then you have the shrubs, which offer colorful stems and a range of sizes to fit your garden needs. And that’s not all! Many dogwoods are native to North America, making them useful for local insects and wildlife.
From woodworking to medicine, dogwoods have found a place in the history books. The genus was likely named for its dense wood, which was often used to make tools. And for many people, their spring blooms are considered a symbol of rebirth and renewal. When Native Americans saw the dogwoods blooming, they knew it was time to plant their crops.
Basic Types of Dogwood
Among the many dogwood species, there are two categories: shrubs and trees. Some of the common trees include:
- Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
- Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
- Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
These species are often found in the understory of forests, so they’re a great choice for landscapes with part shade. When you look at the flowers of C. kousa and C. florida, the colorful petals are really bracts, a type of modified leaf that changes color. The true flowers are very small and can be found at the center of the bracts.
Shrub dogwoods can be found growing in moist soils across North America. A few species you might find are:
- Tatarian Dogwood (Cornus alba)
- Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
- Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)
Both C. alba and C. sericea are known for their colorful stems, which really stand out in winter. While the stems of C. racemosa are less colorful, the plant produces beautiful clusters of white berries.
Neon Burst
Ivory Halo
Firedance
Sgt. Pepper
Popular Varieties/Series
First Editions® Collection
Neon Burst™ Dogwood
- Chartreuse leaves retain their bright color throughout the summer
- Leaves turn to a rainbow of purple, red, yellow, and orange in autumn
- Glossy scarlet red stems provide winter interest to the landscape
Firedance™ Dogwood
- Compact, uniform habit is ideal for small areas
- Features red-purple leaves during fall
- Pure white flowers in spring lead to summer fruit
Proven Winners Series
Arctic Fire® Red Dogwood
- Compact selection that remains 3-4’ tall and wide
- Provides dark red winter stems
- Has a non-suckering habit and upright shape
Sgt. Pepper™ Dogwood
- Bright green and cream leaves with pale pink margins
- Red fall leaf color accents the red stems
- Deer-resistant and durable
Monrovia Series
Kelsey’s Dwarf Red-Osier Dogwood
- Beautiful compact with tidy round shape
- Green foliage with striking red stems for winter landscape
- Grows only 24 to 30 inches tall and wide
Ivory Halo® Dogwood
- Colorful red stems for winter interest
- Variegated foliage with light green leaves with creamy white margins
- 5 to 6 feet tall and wide
Pagoda
Golden Shadow
Chinese Kousa
Golden Shadow
Tree Dogwoods
Chinese Kousa
- Small tree with large white bracts in spring
- Features an upright habit with horizontal branching
- Has edible fruit and attractive fall color
Pagoda
- Forms beautiful pale-yellow flowers in spring
- Branches have a unique layered structure
- Attractive leaves turn maroon red in fall
Golden Shadows® Pagoda
- Variegated foliage
- Elegant, striking habit
- Year-round interest
Kelsey’s Dwarf Red-Osier
Neon Burst
Firedance
Arctic Fire Yellow
Special Offers
Cayenne Dogwood
Cayenne Dogwood is a native selection that stands out with bright red stems that shine all winter, even in warmer winter areas. The fresh green foliage looks good all summer and is accented by porcelain blue berries that form in late summer.
Prairie Fire Dogwood
A very hardy and colorful accent shrub with bright golden foliage that fades to soft a yellow in the summer.
The Dogwood Success Manual
Elevate your landscape with the timeless elegance and four-season beauty of Dogwood trees.
Growing Tips – Shrub Dogwoods
How to Use Them
- The straight species are often used for large areas, where they can form dense thickets. Smaller varieties are great for rain gardens and along streams or ponds. You can also use them as a specimen, small group planting, or a privacy screen. And for steep hills, they hold the soil in place to control erosion.
- Mix different varieties to show off the different stem colors in winter
- Pair dogwood with other shrubs to add more texture and color to your landscape. A few good companion shrubs are ninebark, buttonbush, and spirea.
- At maturity, shrub dogwoods range from 3-10 feet tall and wide, so knowing the size of your planting space is vital.
Site Conditions
- While they grow best in full sun, dogwood also does well in part shade.
- For soil conditions, they thrive in moist soils but do tolerate average soil conditions. It’s best to avoid planting them in drier soils.
Maintenance
- Dogwood are low-maintenance plants that don’t require much care once they’re established.
- Like other shrubs, dogwood requires regular watering to get established. After that first season, they should grow well with minimal watering.
- As dogwoods grow older, their stems begin to lose that distinct red or yellow color. Pruning 1/3 of the oldest stems to the ground each year promotes younger stems with better color.
- If your existing dogwoods are overgrown, consider cutting back all the stems near the ground to rejuvenate the plant. Ideally, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the plants start growing.
Growing Tips – Tree Dogwoods
How to Use Them
- The stunning bracts and structure of these dogwoods make a perfect accent in the garden. Use them as a specimen or plant in small groups near a sidewalk or patio for perfect viewing.
- They also make a good addition to woodland gardens, natural areas, and shrub borders.
- Depending on your zone, different species and varieties can be added to your garden for a colorful display.
- Some dogwood trees can be underplanted with groundcovers to reduce weeds and add more greenery.
Site Conditions
- Dogwood trees normally grow in the understory of forests, where they receive ample moisture and part shade. In the garden, they will thrive in similar conditions. While these trees tolerate full sun, they need moist soil to avoid leaf scorch.
- Wind damage can be a problem in exposed areas, so consider planting in a sheltered spot of the landscape.
Maintenance
- In a typical year, these trees require little maintenance. New plantings will need regular watering, but that’s about it. Generally, it’s best to water the plants deeply to encourage better root growth.
- Lower limbs can be removed if desired, but little pruning is needed. Many gardeners refrain from pruning to enjoy their natural and unique form.
- Overall, dogwood trees have few pest and disease issues. The best way to prevent problems is to keep the trees healthy and stress-free.
Learn More About Dogwoods
- 10 Trees for Urban and Small Space Gardens by National Garden Bureau
- Shrubs for Cutting Gardens by National Garden Bureau
- 5 Ways to Use Dogwoods for Color All Year Round by Monrovia
Purchase at NGB Member Online Stores and at Your Local Garden Retailer
Support the Year of the Dogwood
SlideShare Presentation
Powerpoint Presentation
The Year of the Dogwood logo PNG or JPG
Printable version of this Fact Sheet
8″ x 10″printable sign
“Did You Know” Fun Facts
Dogwood poster PNG
The National Garden Bureau recognizes and thanks the human experts at First Editions® Shrubs & Trees an NGB member, as the author and contributor to this fact sheet.
This fact sheet is provided as an educational service of the National Garden Bureau. There are no limitations on the use. Please credit National Garden Bureau, and link to this page, when using all or parts of this article or referencing the Year of the program.
Each state in the U.S. has its list of invasive species. Before trying a new plant in your garden, refer to the USDA’s National Invasive Species Information website or check with local agencies such as an Extension specialist.
Please consider our NGB member companies as authoritative sources of information. See the NGB Member Directory for details about our members. Shop Our Members for seed and plant sources.