Cornus florida 'RUBRA' flowering dogwood
size/type
taller shrub,taller shrub
usual height
2-4m
usual width
1-3m
leaves
deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
April-May
location
full to partial sun
soil type
acidic (peaty)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist (dislikes drought)
USDA zone (lowest)
5 (down to -29°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Flowering dogwood is quite an unusual shrub or small tree which draws your attention all year round: in the spring it has very showy large petal-like coloured bracts, and its leaves turn to beautiful colours early in the autumn.
Description of the plant:
Rubra is one of the most known and at the same time beautiful varieties of flowering dogwood. The inflorescence is composed of 4 medium-sized, deep pink or reddish purple flower bracts around a small, rounded head with tiny, tubular flowers that are followed by small, glossy, red fruit that is poisonous. The deciduous leaves are deep green with purple shades. The best show begins in autumn when they turn bright burgundy-red. This shrub forms horizontal layers of branches and should not be pruned.
Flowering dogwood does not like stress of any kind. Find it a nice spot now so you do not have to transplant it later, it might suffer from diseases thereafter. It needs moist but well-drained, acid soil, rich in organic material. It is a slow grower. Fully hardy to -27°C and can withstand temporary drops to -29°C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 13-02-2009
