Information on Pink Dogwood Trees

Pink dogwood trees (Cornus florida "Rubra") are harbingers of spring. Before the first leaves appear, these small deciduous trees produce an abundance of flowers on bare branches. Although red dogwoods grow only 25 feet tall, they have a big impact on the landscape. The leaves have attractive fall colors, turning bright red, deep maroon or deep purple in autumn, depending on the species. Even the bark is ornamental, resembling the texture of alligator skin.

In the wild, pink dogwood trees are rare because they occur only when a pink tree is pollinated by another pink tree. Dogwoods flower in early spring before the leaves appear. Actually, the pink, four-petaled structures that look like flowers are the bracts that hold the flowers. The true flowers are the small, yellow nubs in the center.

You might notice that wild dogwoods don't produce as many flowers (or bracts) as cultivated ones. That's because they are understory trees that grow in the shade of larger trees. Although dogwoods grow well in shade, they produce the best flowers when grown in full sun or morning sun with afternoon shade. They need a well-drained, acid soil with plenty of organic matter. Pink dogwoods are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zones 5 to 9.

Dogwood flowers are followed by tight clusters of three to four berries, usually bright red, which last into fall. These berries are beloved by birds that dart in and out of the tree in fall until they strip the branches clean. The berries contain the seeds, and birds and small mammals help distribute the seeds to wooded areas.

Pink dogwoods are low-maintenance trees that thrive in most settings once established. Drought stress leaves them susceptible to disease, so water deeply during dry spells. Avoid wetting the leaves. Although the trees don't need regular pruning, lower branches tend to hang toward the ground. Removing the lower branches makes mowing around the tree easier and improves the appearance.

Several pink dogwood cultivars provide variegated leaves, deeply colored flowers and disease resistance. With its deep red bracts and reddish new growth,

"Cherokee Chief" is the most popular of the deep pink cultivars. "Cherokee Brave," which grows only 15 feet tall, has deep pink bracts with white centers. Valuable for its disease resistance, "Cherokee Sunset" features variegated leaves marked with pink and white and deep-colored flowers.