Cornus florida 'Rubra' (Pink Flowering Dogwood) Unity Grown

Cornus florida var. rubra is the naturally occuring pink-flowering version of the well-loved native species commonly called flowering dogwood, which is considered to be among the most spectacular flowering trees in United States at springtime. Specimens of pink-flowering dogwood may be multi- or single-stemmed and grow to 20-30' tall with a short trunk and horizontal branching out to about 20-25'. In spring, a profusion of long-lasting pink-colored bracts fills the tree's multi-tiered structure, attracting a number of beneficial insects and putting on a striking visual show in the landscape.

Early spring flowers persist until late spring and actually precede the appearance of foliage later on in the spring; flowers eventually turn to bright red fruits in summer which attract birds and wildlife through the fall and winter seasons. During the fall, Cornus florida var. rubra leaves turn to bronzey shades of red, adding multi season interest. Pink-flowering dogwwod grows best in full to partial sun and work well as an understory tree or sheltered specimen planting in well drained soils. Dogwoods can be sensitive to temperature swings in the summer and winter, so you can provide a 2-4" layer of mulch to help keep the roots insulated.