Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
With its spring flowers and autumnal color, the Common White Flowering Dogwood provides a long period of interest. Botanically known as Cornus florida, this deciduous tree develops stunning white blooms in April to May before its purple foliage and red fruits appear in the fall. Growing to only 18 to 20 feet tall, this ornamental tree is suitable for many gardens and is a great source of food for the birds come fall.
Sometimes regarded as one of the best small flowering trees, the Common White Flowering Dogwood has a slightly rounded canopy. This tree makes a great choice for sheltered rural landscapes as it is resistant to any hungry deer that may be lurking. Suitable for growing in zones 5 to 8, this Flowering Dogwood is one of the best for growing as a specimen tree or planting at the back of a border to provide some light shade. It is native to Eastern North America and low maintenance to grow.
Common White Flowering Dogwood Care
Even though this White Flowering Dogwood tends to grow to no more than 20 feet tall, care should be taken when planting this tree to make sure that it will not damage any overhead lines or structural overhangs in the future. It can tolerate full sun but is known to be happier in partial shade. It prefers a neutral to acidic, fertile soil kept moist, but well drained. Being slow to establish, regular watering for the first few years is essential and then during dry spells. When grown in fertile soil, feeding is not generally necessary. Mulching annually around the root zone will help reduce moisture loss.
Dogwood trees rarely require pruning. However, you can prune the Common White Flowering Dogwood in winter when it is dormant to remove any dead, diseased or rubbing branches.
Common White Flowering Dogwood Spacing
When fully grown, this Flowering Dogwood can grow to 18 to 20 feet tall and wide. When planting as a specimen tree, provide 20 feet of space so it can be appreciated in all its beauty.
Common Flowering Dogwood Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 8 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Partial Shade (3-4 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 18 - 20 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 18 - 20 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Upright
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Spring Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Common White Flowering Dogwood
- Also Known As
- Common White Flowering Dogwood
- Botanical Name
- Cornus florida
- Plant Type
- Tree
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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