SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cornus florida f. rubra

COMMON NAME: Pink Flowering Dogwood

GARDEN SIZE: 15 to 30 feet tall by 15 to 30+ feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate (up to 1 foot per year under ideal conditions)

USDA ZONE: 5 to 9

Part shade or filtered sunlight

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, well-drained, organically rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Requires regular watering during the first 1–2 years, especially in dry spells. Once established, may have moderate drought tolerance, but still benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Avoid compacted clay or poorly drained sites.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, rounded

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; green foliage turns purplish-red in fall

FLOWERS: Abundant pastel pink bracts in spring; showy red fruit follows in late summer to fall

PLANT ORIGIN: Eastern North America (including Davidson and Robertson Counties, TN)

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Host plant for local butterflies and moths, and food source for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Supplies shelter and nesting sites.

FERTILIZING: Generally not required. If desired, apply a layer of organic compost in early spring to support growth and soil health.

PRUNING: Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce flowering.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Dogwoods are generally considered non-toxic, but inedible.

USES: Specimen tree, woodland edge