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Cornus florida f. rubra
pink dogwood
Eastern North America (the species); the pink form (f. rubra) arises naturally in wild populationsLearn more
Overview
Cornus florida f. rubra is pink dogwood (pink flowering dogwood), a small deciduous tree growing 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) tall and 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) wide with layered horizontal branching. Four soft pink to rose-pink petal-like bracts 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) across with notched tips, surrounding tiny yellow-green true flowers in April-May. The pink bract color intensity varies among seedling-grown trees — grafted clonal selections like 'Cherokee Chief' and 'Cherokee Brave' have more consistent color. Medium green ovate leaves 3-5 inches (7-13 cm) with arcuate venation. Turns burgundy-red to scarlet in fall. Clusters of glossy red drupes 0.4 inch (10 mm) in September-October. In Cornaceae. The naturally occurring pink-bracted form of C. florida — arises in wild populations in eastern North America. Same dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) susceptibility as the white-bracted type — the primary disease limitation. Not drought-tolerant. Prefers morning sun with afternoon shade in zones 7-9. Toxic to pets. Zones 5-9. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is slow to moderate.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America (the species). Forma rubra (the pink-bracted form) arises naturally in wild populations.Suggested Uses
Grown as a specimen tree, understory tree, and woodland edge planting spaced 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m). Pink spring bracts. Red fall foliage. Glossy red fruit. Layered branching. Native to eastern North America. Anthracnose-susceptible. Toxic to pets. Zones 5-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 25'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 12 years
Bloom Information
Mid spring (April-May). Four soft pink to rose-pink petal-like bracts 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) with notched tips surrounding tiny yellow-green true flowers. 3 weeks of bloom. Bee-pollinated. Clusters of glossy red drupes ripen September-October.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Soft pink to rose-pink, four petal-like bracts 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) across, notched at the tip, surrounding tiny yellow-green true flowersFoliage Description
Medium green, ovate, prominently veined with arcuate venation, 3-5 inches (7-13 cm); turns burgundy-red to scarlet in fallGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-8 hours — morning sun with afternoon shade in zones 7-9). Well-drained acidic soil pH 5.5-6.5. Not drought-tolerant. Dogwood anthracnose — maintain air circulation, avoid overhead irrigation. Prune after flowering (May-June). Deer browse foliage. Toxic to pets. Zones 5-9.Pruning
Prune after flowering (May-June). Remove dead, crossing, or diseased branches. The layered horizontal branching is the natural form. Remove any branches showing anthracnose symptoms and disinfect tools between cuts.Pruning Schedule
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F
M
A
M
J
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A
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D
late spring