Species Red Flowering Dogwood
Beautiful pink-white flowers with green leaves growing on brown stems, and brown trunk.

Red Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida 'var. rubra'

The Red Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida 'var. rubra') is a truly amazing plant species. With vivid, deep red blossoms from late spring to early summer, the Red Flowering Dogwood adds beautiful color to any landscape. Its broad, spreading branches are equally stunning, with auburn-toned bark providing year-round interest. This plant is also drought tolerant, making it a great choice for both shade and sun in warmer climates. The vibrant flowers not only attract birds and other pollinators, but they also make lovely cut flowers as well. Truly, the Red Flowering Dogwood is a standout species.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation

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:

red,purple

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Red Flowering Dogwood should be watered deeply and infrequently, approximately once every 7 days or so. In the hottest periods of summer, watering may need to occur slightly more often. Ensure the soil is thoroughly moistened, but don’t let the soil become soggy. If the soil has dried out too much, a deep soaking may be in order. When watering, pay attention to the leaves and pay special attention to any areas that may not be receiving sufficient moisture.

sunlight

Red Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida 'var. rubra') requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day, up to 8 hours being ideal. This type of dogwood prefers moist and slightly acidic soil, and should be planted in locations that receive full sun in the morning and light shade in the afternoon. This will help to prevent scorching from the sun.

pruning

Red Flowering Dogwood should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to bloom. Pruning should be minimal and only to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Avoid pruning any healthy and vigorous branches.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Cornus florida 'var. rubra' is in late summer and early fall, typically between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Red Flowering Dogwood typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Cornus florida 'var. rubra' is in late summer and early fall, typically between August and October.

Hardiness Map