The native Flowering Dogwood offers a multi-season parade of beauty as well as shelter and nutrition for birds, pollinators and mammals, but has declined in popularity as an ornamental plant due to the range of diseases to which it may fall victim, particularly when under stress. But a tree that is planted well, in the right location and kept strong can still be a long-lived garden joy.

Dogwood diseases are more devastating to a plant that is stressed by challenging growing conditions or without an attentive care routine. Get to know the cultural requirements of the plant so that your tree will have the greatest chance of fighting off disease on its own. Care taken in siting and support for the tree to reduce stress and prevent injury, as well as selecting disease-resistant and locally bred varieties, can improve the outcome for Flowering Dogwood in your landscape.

Flowering Dogwood is native to temperate, forest, understory sites and prefers fertile, lightly acid ( pH between 5.5 and 6.5), moist but well-drained soil. Research indicates that it will have a more trouble-free life in a home landscape, and have the greatest fruit and flower, if planted in a protected and gently sunny location. Plant your tree in a site where it will not be exposed to late afternoon sun or leaves will burn on the hottest days.

• East-facing and even bright north-facing locations, in gentle morning sun to the lightest shade, are fine; or south- or west-facing exposures with canopy trees that offer protection in the late afternoon.
• Most dogwood fungal diseases need an environment of sustained wetness on the leaves for spores to germinate and spread the disease. A gently sunny position that helps leaves to dry off quickly will reduce the chances of fungal disease.
• Avoid full-sun, west-facing planting sites and do not position near a wall with a reflective or hot surface.
• A location that minimizes winter wind will add to longevity.
• Note that strong shade and soil that drains poorly and remains too wet after rain or watering will increase the chances of dogwood anthracnose disease.
• This tree has a limited tolerance for environmental pollutants and is not a good choice for urban locations. 

Anticipate the mature size of your tree and space with a generous clearance of walls and other plants so that air circulation is maintained between plants and buildings to reduce the incidence of mildew and fungal diseases. Dogwood anthracnose is especially problematic, as are other fungal diseases like powdery mildew, if there is not good air flow around the plant.

Select a tree that has been grown in your region for the best results, particularly if you are on the cool or hot margin of the plant's growing range. Visit a local, reputable nursery to make your selection and ask for advice. Plant carefully while the tree is dormant but soil is workable. Prepare the surface of the soil out to the tree's dripline, removing grass and weeds.  

For at least the first five years after planting your dogwood, it will be establishing its root system. During the first year, water the tree regularly except when it is dormant. Its roots are limited and need water running past frequently to get the moisture it needs. After the first year, in weeks without significant rain, especially in the hottest months, irrigate soil, avoiding splashing on plant leaves.

If there are deer in your area, protect the trunk of the tree from damage by encircling it with a loose cylinder of wire or plastic mesh from late summer through year end. Insects and disease often enter the tree through wounds to the bark. The protective layer must be loose enough to allow healthy air flow so that moisture is not held against the trunk which would encourage disease. If rodents or rabbits cause damage to trees in your area, extend the cylinder slightly underground to restrict access. 

Find more about dogwood trees in the home landscape in our Guide to Dogwoods.

Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service