Cornus florida 'Appalachian Joy' (Dogwood) Unity Grown

Developed by the University of Tennessee's dogwood breeding program, Cornus florida 'Appalachian Joy' is an improved cultivar of flowering dogwood, a native, flowering understory tree species considered to be among the most spectacular flowering trees in United States at springtime. Noted for its slightly compact habit, increased hardiness, and nearly unbeatable resistance to powdery mildew, the 'Appalachian Joy' cultivar typically grows to approximately 15-20' tall with a mature, rounded spread of about 15-20'. In spring, 'Appalachian Joy' is covered by a profusion of long-lasting, beautiful white flowers composed of soft modified leaves called bracts; while most flowering dogwoods have strictly four bracts per flower, Cornus florida 'Appalachian Joy' is considered a "supernumerary" variety, meaning it sometimes possessed flowers with up to 8 overlapping or doubled petals! 

Flowers set in early spring before the first leaves appear, and are followed by dense, attractive green foliage and pretty, bright red fruits in summer which are attractive to a number of bird species. In the fall months, persistent berries add further aesthetic appeal when autumn foliage turns to beautiful, bright shades of crimson and maroon. 'Appalachian Joy' prefers full sun to part shade, but may be grown best as an understory or forest margin tree in well drained soils or as a specimen tree in partial shade. Additionally, since flowering dogwoods can be sensitive to temperature swings, you can provide a 2-4" layer of mulch to help keep the roots cool and moist through hot summers and insulated from cold during the winter.