Red Dogwood

Red Dogwood is a pink- to red-bracted form of flowering dogwood, botanically recorded here as Cornus florida var. rubra. Its conspicuous spring display comes from colored bracts surrounding small flowers; red fruit and red autumn foliage extend the seasonal interest. ## Form and seasonal display This deciduous small tree develops layered, spreading branches and a rounded canopy. The current catalog size estimate is 20–25 feet tall and wide. Flowering dogwood generally blooms in mid-spring, and its bright fruits are eaten by birds. The bract color in var. rubra is described as pink by UF/IFAS; intensity may vary among plants and growing conditions. ## Placement Use as a specimen or light-shade tree, with full sun to partial shade depending on climate. In southern locations, afternoon shade can help. Choose deep, rich, well-drained soil; flowering dogwood tolerates clay or sandy soil when drainage is adequate. Avoid prolonged wetness and road salt. [UF/IFAS flowering dogwood guide](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST185) · [Morton Arboretum overview](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/flowering-dogwood/) · [US Forest Service review](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/corflo) ## Maintenance Water during establishment and dry weather, directing irrigation to the soil rather than foliage. Keep the canopy open enough for air movement and remove dead or damaged branches. Watch for anthracnose and other disease symptoms, especially in cool, wet seasons.