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Dogwoods - now you're barking up the right tree!

The Cornus or Dogwood genus of trees and shrubs has family members from both North America and Asia. The Dogwood most commonly grown in NZ hails from North America and is known as Cornus florida. In this case "florida" actually means flowering rather than place of origin. The Americans love this tree so much it is the State tree for both Virginia and Missouri. Cornus kousa which hails from Japan is becoming more popular in NZ and Cornus kousa Moonlight is a firm favourite with the team here at Wairere.

All Dogwoods are deciduous and frost hardy with the exception of Cornus capitata which is semi evergreen and only tolerates light frost.

To get the best from Dogwoods you really must be able to give them the conditions they thrive on. They require a sunny spot with no more than the lightest shade plus deep nourishing soil that is not too wet in winter. Dogwoods love a cold winter and hot dry summer. For those who have warm winters (Waikato North) then try Cornus Eddies White Wonder which has been bred to cope with warmer temperatures. If you do not provide Cornus with the correct conditions they can become susceptible to anthracnose disease which is a fungus disease typified by brown to tan irregular spots and blotches on the leaves. This can be treated with fungicide but prevention with the correct cultural requirements is really the answer.

Dogwoods flower in spring, the "flower" is made up of four bracts that surround a small central dome. With some varieties showy "strawberry" like fruits follow the flowers. All Dogwoods should have excellent autumn colour and this is probably their most highly valued feature. Look for variegated varieties which have fabulous foliage interest throughout spring, summer and autumn.

*In case you are curious the name Dogwood is said to have come from the fact that the bark from the tree was used to make up a solution for bathing mangy dogs! There is also the legend that the wood from the Dogwood was used to make the cross Jesus was crucified on and ever since that time the tree has had 4 floral bracts to represent the cross with a red centre to represent the blood of Christ. The tree will also never grow large enough to provide timber for another cross.

Cornus or Dogwood, fact or fiction, no matter which, is always a worthy choice for a special specimen tree or group planting.

aka Pagoda Dogwood

Pagoda Dogwood. This attractive tree has a tiered arrangement of branches decorated with variegated green leaves with white margins. In summer small sprays of creamy white flowers appear and are followed by black berries. Plant in a sunny spot in rich well drained soil. Deciduous.

 

aka Kousa or Asian Dogwood

The Asian Dogwood is often described as a large shrub because of its multi-stemmed habit rather than having a single trunk. Dark green foliage in spring-summer with good autumn tones before fall. The flower bracts are large, star shaped and a deep pink. Very showy in late spring. Est.10yr.growth.

Cornus prefer a nice deep rich acid soil so choose your planting spot well.

 

aka Kousa or Asian Dogwood

This large multi-stemmed shrub has the most beautiful variegated foliage in various shades of green and creamy white. The leaves are off-set by the purple shading of the twigs. Large showy white flower bracts in late spring. Special. Likes nice rich acid soil. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

 

aka Dogwood

An American hybrid valued for the ruby red flower bracts that appear in spring. The new spring foliage is an attractive bronze-red before turning the usual green. Striking autumn colour adds to the overall value of this specimen tree. Plant in a sunny spot in nice rich soil. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

 

aka Dogwood

Showy red flower bracts appear in spring followed by red strawberry fruits that birds love. The variegated green foliage is broadly outlined with lemon yellow, with hints of bronze and pink in spring. Striking autumn colour. Plant in a sunny position. Deciduous.

 

aka Dogwood /Wedding Cake Tree

Dogwood. A wonderful tree with tiered branches and broad clusters of prominent cream coloured flowers in early summer. Really something in full flower. The flowers are followed by small black fruits. Glossy green summer foliage turns rich purplish-red before leaf fall. Deciduous. Est.10yr.growth.

 

aka The Wedding Cake Tree

This unique and special Cornus is highly valued for the unusual layered structure of its branches giving it the common name of 'The Wedding Cake Tree'. The new foliage is soft green edged with cream accented by the reddish tinge of the new branches. Little white flowers in summer. Est.10yr.growth.

A very special feature tree that deserves space to grow unhindered so it can show off its unique structure. Always admired and a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.

 

aka Kousa or Asian Dogwood

Asian Dogwood. An upright form of this large multi-stemmed deciduous shrub. In late spring semi-double white flower bracts make a showy and dramatic display. The new foliage is a fresh rich green and has good autumn colour before leaf fall. Plant in rich acid soil best results. Est.10yr.growth.

 

aka Dogwood

An extremely popular 'Dogwood' and deservedly so. A reliable performer in most climates. Handles the heat well compared to others in the family. Large showy white bracts appear in spring followed by fresh green summer foliage that turns scarlet and orange in autumn prior to leaf fall. Est.10yr.growth.

 

aka Red-barked Dogwood

An unusual Dogwood that features a thicket of red stemmed branches that look their best when bare in winter. Pretty flowers in late spring and attractive variegated grey-green foliage with just a little white on the leaf margins. Thrives in moist conditions and looks 'elegant' beside water. Deciduous.