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Cornus florida f. rubra

flowering dogwood red-form

A broadly conical tree with ovate, slightly twisted, leaves that show good autumn colour. Discrete green flowers, surrounded by four showy bracts in a reddish-pink and white, appear in early summer followed by red fruits

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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
4–8 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink White Green
Autumn Purple Red Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Cornaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E North America, E Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. Keep roots cool with a mulch in summer. Shelter in exposed locations. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by softwood cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus

Get involved

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