Dogwoods (Cornus spp.)

These small trees are a group of spring-flowering trees and shrubs. There are both evergreen and deciduous varieties to grow in gardens.

Dogwoods are some of the best small flowering trees for cool temperate gardens as they produce striking flowers and deciduous species colour in autumn. Some shrubby forms also have colourful bark which is a feature in winter gardens. The flowers last well even in wet or windy spring conditions as they are actually bracts (not true petals).

These are varieties that grow well in Australia, check out your local hardware or garden centre for the right variety for your location. Species to grow for showy flowers include:

  • Cornus florida is a deciduous small ornamental tree with pink or white flowers. Suited to a smaller garden it makes a beautiful feature tree. In summer it has mid-green leaves providing shade. In autumn the leaves turn a brilliant red before falling.
  • Cornus kuosa is also deciduous and produces masses of white flowers followed by red strawberry-like fruit. These trees grow around 4-6m high but are slow growing. They also make a great feature tree with their magnificent autumn colour.
  • Cornus capitata, also known as Himalayan dogwood, is evergreen with white to yellow flowers. After flowering it produces red, strawberry-like fruit that are attractive to birds. Trees may reach 6m high.

There are also many named varieties and some hybrids. Most dogwoods are slow growing and long lived.

Growing conditions

Aspect Dogwoods needs a bright, sunny location with shelter from strong or hot summer winds. In nature, they often grow underneath a larger tree protected from the weather.

Soil Best with moist deep soil enriched with organic matter. Before planting add homemade compost and organic matter and/or Seasol Super Compost. Check the soil beneath the tree every season, remove weeds and apply Seasol Plant + Soil Booster to improve soil and plant health.

Climate Dogwoods grow in a cool temperate climate and are frost tolerant while deciduous. These trees do particularly well in cool to mild conditions.

How to grow and look after Dogwoods (Cornus spp.)for beautiful flowers and stunning autumn foliage including soil, planting, and feeding

General care

Watering Water regularly in spring as the plants begin to flower and through dry summers to encourage good growth. Dogwood has shallow roots, so water deeply to ensure the tree has enough moisture.

Feeding and mulching These flowering trees respond well to feeding in spring as new growth returns. They can be fed via your preferred method, either liquid or granular food or a combination of both. Keep plants growing well with a granular fertiliser such as Seasol plus Nutrients Roses & Flowers every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. Spread under the drip line of the tree (the area at the edge of the foliage canopy) as this is where the feeder roots are located. Remember to water it in thoroughly after application. If you prefer liquid feeding, apply PowerFeed PRO SERIES for Roses & Flowers every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season, around the drip line of the tree’s canopy.

Mulch with organic mulch such as composted bark, sugarcane mulch, pea straw or lucerne under trees to deter weed competition and retain moisture (keep mulches away from the tree trunk).

Pruning Trees are naturally elegant and compact and need little pruning. Shrubby forms grown for colourful winter bark including C. alba, C. sanguinea and C. sericea, are hard pruned in early spring every few years to encourage strong bush growth and lots of canes.

Watch out This group of plants has few pests such as scale or disease problems such as powdery mildew making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance planting. Lack of flowers may be due to very dry conditions – increase watering in spring.