
flowering dogwood
Cornus florida 'Daybreak'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
6
Flowers:
White (bracts) Flowers In Spring
Sun:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil:
Acidic, Well-drained
Fruits:
red Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,red,yellow,purple
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Maintenance:
Moderate
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Water flowering dogwood (Cornus florida 'Daybreak') when the top inch of soil starts to feel dry to the touch- usually once to twice a week. Water thoroughly; making sure the entire root system of the plant gets soaked. Avoid frequent light waterings as this can lead to weakened root systems. Also be aware of the temperature- if it's very hot outside, your plant may need to be watered more often. In general, it's best to water your dogwood in the morning as wet leaves can be susceptible to mildew.
sunlight
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida 'Daybreak') requires full sun to partial shade; it prefers at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. The direct sunlight helps the plant to create its vibrant blooms. When planted in overly shaded areas, the flowering dogwood will not reach its full potential. During the summer months, it is best to provide the flowering dogwood with partial shade in the afternoon when temperatures are the highest.
pruning
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida 'Daybreak') is a tree that benefits from annual pruning. Pruning should take place in the early spring, just before the new growth emerges. This allows the plant to form new buds and branches and encourages the flowering cycle. First, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This will promote better overall health for the tree. Next, thin out any crossing or rubbing branches. Doing this will help airflow and sunlight reach their desired areas of the tree. Finally, selectively prune back branches that are too long or too close to each other. This will help the flowering dogwood to maintain its natural shape and encourage more vigorous flowering. It's best to avoid heavy pruning of flowering dogwood and to only remove 1/3 of the branches in a single season. Doing so will ensure that the plant maintains its natural shape and can bloom and thrive.