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How to Grow Flowering Dogwood

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

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Get your Flowering Dogwood

Plant nursery stock — skip years of growing from seed.

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Supplies You'll Need

Watering Can

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Plant Overview

Scientific Name Cornus florida
Category tree
Type Deciduous Tree (nursery stock)
Starting Method Nursery Stock

Growing Requirements

Sun

Part Shade (understory tree)

Water

Moderate; mulch well

Spacing

20 ft apart

Height

15-25 ft

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Buy nursery-quality plants and skip years of growing from seed.

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Companion Planting Guide for Flowering Dogwood

Discover which plants grow well with Flowering Dogwood and which to keep at a distance for a healthier garden →

Seed Saving Guide

Vegetative propagation

Propagate vegetatively, not by seed

Buy a nursery-grown (not wild-dug) tree — wild transplants establish poorly and spread anthracnose risk.

Flowering Dogwood Planting Calendar by Zone

Zone 1a Zone 1b Zone 2a Zone 2b Zone 3a Zone 3b Zone 4a Zone 4b Zone 5a Zone 5b Zone 6a Zone 6b Zone 7a Zone 7b Zone 8a Zone 8b Zone 9a Zone 9b Zone 10a Zone 10b Zone 11a Zone 11b Zone 12a Zone 12b Zone 13a

Flowering Dogwood Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Flowering Dogwood? +

Plant container-grown or bare-root Flowering Dogwood in early spring, 4 weeks before your last frost date — or in early fall once summer heat breaks. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

Should I start Flowering Dogwood indoors or direct sow? +

Neither — Flowering Dogwood isn't grown from seed at home. Buy a container-grown or bare-root plant from a nursery and plant it outdoors at the right time for your local frost dates.

How much sun does Flowering Dogwood need? +

Flowering Dogwood requires part shade (understory tree) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Flowering Dogwood? +

Space Flowering Dogwood plants 240 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Flowering Dogwood need? +

Flowering Dogwood has moderate; mulch well water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Flowering Dogwood? +

Flowering Dogwood is not typically propagated by seed. Buy a nursery-grown (not wild-dug) tree — wild transplants establish poorly and spread anthracnose risk.

About Flowering Dogwood

Beloved native understory tree with white or pink spring bracts, red berries for birds, and burgundy fall color. Happiest at a woodland edge — morning sun, afternoon shade, acidic soil. Plant in early spring.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.