Stellar Nova™ Dogwood

Cornus x Stellar Nova™

Nature Hills Nursery

Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-8 with exceptional heat and humidity tolerance.
Produces extra-large, vivid white bracts in late spring that "glow" in the sunlight.
Stands 10-15 feet tall with a vigorous, upright habit perfect for smaller landscapes.
Highly resistant to common dogwood diseases, including anthracnose and powdery mildew.

$137⁶⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container 3-4 Feet

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for 4 to 6 hours of direct morning sun to ensure the best bloom production. While this hybrid features improved heat tolerance, providing afternoon shade in warmer climates prevents the foliage from becoming stressed during the hottest part of the day.
Soil: Plant in rich, loamy soil that is well-drained and slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay that holds too much water, mix in organic compost at planting time to improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in "wet feet."

Watering Requirements

Water your tree deeply twice a week during its first two growing seasons to help the root system establish itself in the local soil. Mature trees are quite resilient, but you should still provide a deep soaking during extended dry spells to maintain those extra-large white blooms. Inconsistent watering can lead to leaf scorch or smaller flowers because the tree will prioritize its own survival over flower production.

Pruning Tips

This dogwood blooms on old wood, so the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the new growth starts. Limit your work to removing dead branches or small suckers that sprout from the base of the trunk. Think of it like a light seasonal haircut to maintain its natural upright shape without accidentally cutting off the flower buds already set for the spring show.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, like those meant for lawns, near the tree late in the summer season. Excess nitrogen late in the year encourages soft, new growth that cannot "harden off" in time for winter, which leaves your tree vulnerable to frost damage.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7	Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12	Week of February 15th

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

A Modern Brilliance in Flowering Trees

The Stellar Nova™ Dogwood, botanically known as Cornus x 'Rutstar', represents a revolution in ornamental breeding. Developed by Dr. Thomas Molnar at Rutgers University, this vigorous hybrid combines the elegant spirit of the native flowering dogwood with the rugged resilience of the Kousa species. While many dogwoods struggle with the sweltering heat of midsummer, Stellar Nova™ is a "workhorse" in the landscape, maintaining dense, dark green foliage that resists curling and scorching even when temperatures soar.

Dramatic Late-Spring Bloom

As the early spring blossoms of other trees begin to fade, Stellar Nova™ takes center stage. In late May, it erupts in a canopy of extra-large, bright white floral bracts. These blooms are noted for their high reflectivity; Dr. Molnar describes them as being visible "from a thousand feet away" because they practically glow in the sun. Because it blooms slightly later than traditional varieties, it serves as the perfect partner to pink-flowering dogwoods like 'Scarlet Fire™', creating a synchronized and high-contrast seasonal display.

Four-Season Appeal and Versatility

Growing to a mature height of 10-15 feet with a tidy spread of 10-12 feet, this tree is perfectly sized for modern residential lots. Its upright habit makes it an ideal specimen for a front yard focal point, a courtyard accent, or a refined addition to a flowering border. When autumn arrives, the dark green leaves transition into a rich display of reddish-purple tones before falling to reveal a graceful, sculptural branching structure that provides winter interest. Best of all, this hybrid is sterile, meaning it focuses all its energy on its magnificent flowers and foliage rather than messy fruit production.

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Growing Zones 6-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Stellar Nova Dogwood bloom?

It is a late-spring bloomer, typically opening its large white bracts in May, often timed perfectly to overlap with other late-season flowering hybrids.

Is this tree resistant to dogwood diseases?

Yes, Stellar Nova™ was specifically bred at Rutgers for high resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew, which often plague native varieties.

How big does the Stellar Nova Dogwood get?

This variety matures at a manageable 10-15 feet tall and 10-12 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for smaller landscapes or urban gardens.

Does it produce messy fruit?

No, the Stellar Nova™ Dogwood is a sterile hybrid, meaning it does not produce fruit, keeping your lawn and walkways clean.

What are the best light requirements for this tree?

While it thrives in full sun to partial shade, providing some afternoon protection is beneficial in hotter zones to maintain the best foliage quality.

Stellar Nova™ Dogwood