A dogwood tree has unique red, white or pink foliage that will add a burst of color to your landscape. These small trees are fast-growing and don’t take long to produce their stunning flowers in the early summer. There are several types of dogwood trees that are hardy in the U.S., such as the red osier, pink flowering and whiteflowering varieties. Read on to learn more about planting a dogwood tree and tips on when to plant one for optimal growth.
When To Plant A Dogwood Tree
When looking to plant a dogwood tree, you want to make sure that you select a variety that is suited to your region. Dogwoods that grow in colder regions will not thrive in warmer climates, and vice versa. Check the hardiness zone rating for your specific region to make sure you select the right variety of dogwood for your area. For best results when planting a dogwood tree, make sure the tree is planted in full sunlight or partial shade. Dogwoods don’t grow well in areas that are consistently shaded and will have a difficult time thriving. Dogwoods should be planted in early spring or late fall so the root system has time to settle before the growing season starts. If you live in a cooler climate, consider planting a dogwood tree in a shadier area of your garden where it will receive partial shade.
Deciduous Shrubs For Shade
If you have areas of your garden that are shaded, you may be wondering what type of shrub you should plant in these areas. One popular option is the deciduous shrub, which provides a lot of shade during the warm months. Deciduous shrubs lose their leaves in the fall and are able to photosynthesize during the cooler months. Dogwoods are a common type of deciduous shrub that is great for providing shade in shadier areas of your garden. These shrubs grow fairly quickly and can be pruned to your desired shape. Dogwoods are available in several varieties, including the pink flowering dogwood, red osier dogwood and white flowering dogwood. Whatever variety you choose, deciduous shrubs are great for shadier areas of your garden.
Where To Plant A Dogwood Tree
Dogwoods are best planted in a location that receives full sun, but they can also grow in partial shade. While dogwoods can be planted in a variety of soil types, they do best in a well-draining soil. In areas that receive consistent rainfall, build up the soil at the base of the tree to prevent water logging. Dogwoods have a shallow root system, so make sure that you plant the tree at least 10 feet away from other trees or structures to prevent root damage. Dogwoods can be planted in the ground or in pots, but they should be planted in a large enough container to accommodate their mature size. If growing dogwoods in pots, make sure the container has adequate drainage holes to prevent root rot.
How To Grow A Dogwood Tree From Seed
Start growing a dogwood tree from seed by purchasing seeds or purchasing bare root or container-grown seedlings. If you are planting seeds directly into the ground, make sure that the soil is warm enough to germinate the seeds. As a general rule, wait to plant dogwood seeds until the soil has warmed up and is no longer frozen. Place the seeds in a shallow container filled with soil, cover them with a thin layer of soil and mist the soil with water daily to keep it moist. Once the seeds sprout, remove any excess soil from the container to avoid root damage. Dogwood trees grown from seed may take several years to produce flowers. If you want to speed up the growing process, consider purchasing seedlings that are already several years old.
Tips For Care And Growth Of Dogwood Trees
Dogwoods are generally very easy to care for and grow as long as they are planted in the right conditions. Make sure that the soil is well drained and does not stay overly moist, which can lead to root rot. If you notice that the base of your dogwood tree is rotting, dig a couple feet of the soil away from the base of the tree to create more space for the roots. Dogwoods are generally pest and disease free, but they can have issues with scale insects and dogwood anthracnose, which is a fungal disease. Treating the tree with an insecticidal soap or applying a fungicide can help to control these issues. Dogwood trees are not suitable for planting near a sidewalk or road due to the potential for the tree to be splashed with vehicle fluids.
Pros Of Growing A Dogwood Tree
There are many benefits of growing a dogwood tree in your garden, including their visual appeal, ease of care and ability to grow in different soil types and conditions. Dogwoods are a deciduous shrub that produce stunning red, pink or white flowers in the spring and create a great visual display in the garden. Dogwoods are very easy to care for and are able to grow in a variety of soil types. They are suitable for planting in areas where other trees or shrubs won’t grow due to poor soil conditions. Growing dogwoods in your garden can help to control soil erosion, as well as provide a habitat for wildlife such as birds. Dogwoods generally don’t require a lot of pruning, making them an easy addition to any garden.
Cons Of Growing A Dogwood Tree
While there are many benefits to growing a dogwood tree in your garden, there are also a couple things to watch out for. One potential issue with dogwoods is that they are susceptible to several pests and diseases. If you notice leaves wilting or an oozing liquid on the bark of your dogwood tree, the tree may be suffering from dogwood anthracnose or insect infestation. Dogwoods are not suitable for planting near a sidewalk or road due to the potential for splashed vehicle fluids to damage the tree.
Conclusion
When planting a dogwood tree, make sure you choose a variety that is well suited to your region. Dogwoods do best in full sunlight, but they can also grow in partial shade. Start growing a dogwood tree from seed by purchasing seeds or seedlings, and make sure to care for the tree to prevent issues with pests and diseases. With their stunning flowers and ease of care, dogwoods are a great addition to any garden.
