White Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida

Nature Hills Nursery

Native to Eastern North America: Zones 5-9 hardy, attracts pollinators, state tree of VA, NC, MO
Reliable Growth: Reaches 15-25 feet tall in 7-10 years, growing 1-2 feet annually
Non-Invasive Roots: Safe to plant near foundations, patios, driveways without heaving or damage concerns
Early Spring Blooms: White flowering dogwood displays clouds of white bracts in April-May before leaves
Disease-Resistant Options: Choose anthracnose-resistant varieties like Appalachian Spring for long-term garden success

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Plant Size

#1 Container 3-4 ft #3 Container 4-5 ft

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: These trees thrive in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. While they handle full sun well in cooler climates, providing afternoon shade in hotter regions helps prevent leaf scorch and keeps the foliage looking crisp.
Soil: Aim for rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil that holds moisture without becoming soggy. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant your Dogwood in a slight mound to ensure the roots stay above the "bathtub effect" where water collects and causes rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two years of establishment, give your Dogwood about one inch of water per week to help the root system take hold. Once mature, these trees are moderately drought-tolerant, but inconsistent moisture often leads to smaller bracts and premature leaf drop. Think of the soil like a wrung-out sponge; it should stay consistently damp but never saturated to avoid stressing the tree.

Pruning Tips

White Flowering Dogwoods bloom on old wood, so the best time to prune is in late winter or very early spring before the flower buds begin to swell. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches to open up the canopy for better air circulation, which prevents mildew. Think of it like a light thinning rather than a heavy haircut to maintain the tree's natural, horizontal branching habit.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a formula designed for acid-loving plants in early spring just as new growth appears. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall because this encourages tender new growth that cannot harden off before the first frost. This ensures the tree focuses its energy on developing strong flower buds for the following spring rather than vulnerable green leaves.

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 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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Ships in 7-10 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

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Few trees capture the spirit of an American spring quite like the White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida). This beloved native delivers four full seasons of landscape interest, from those iconic white bracts in April to rich burgundy foliage in October. It's the state tree of Virginia, North Carolina, and Missouri for good reason: once you've seen a mature specimen in bloom, you never forget it.

White Dogwood bracts appear before the leaves emerge, creating a floating cloud of white against still-bare branches. Each bract cluster surrounds tiny yellow-green true flowers that draw in early pollinators, including the Spring Azure butterfly, which uses Dogwoods as a host plant. The display typically lasts three to four weeks in early to mid-spring.

Why You'll Love White Flowering Dogwood

True four-season tree: White spring bracts, lush green summer canopy, red-burgundy fall foliage, and striking horizontal winter branching
Native powerhouse: Supports pollinators in spring and feeds songbirds with bright red berries in fall and winter
Foundation-friendly roots: Non-invasive root system is safe to plant near homes, patios, walkways, and underground utilities
Naturally graceful form: Horizontal layered branching creates an elegant silhouette year-round with no heavy pruning required
Proven performer: Averaging 4.63 out of 5 stars across 27 customer reviews at Nature Hills

Growing Conditions

White Flowering Dogwood thrives in USDA Zones 5 through 9. It performs best in full sun to part shade. In Zones 8 and 9, give it morning sun with afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. Plant in rich, well-drained soil that's slightly acidic with plenty of organic matter. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch helps keep roots cool and moisture consistent.

Water regularly during the first two years (about 1 inch per week). Once the root system is established, this Dogwood is moderately drought tolerant and rarely needs supplemental irrigation except during extended dry spells.

Size and Growth Habit

Expect a mature height and spread of 15 to 25 feet in both directions, forming a rounded to horizontally layered canopy. Growth rate is moderate at 1 to 2 feet per year. The naturally open, layered branching habit gives this tree its signature woodland elegance without heavy maintenance.

Landscape Uses and Design Ideas

White Flowering Dogwood is one of the most versatile small trees you can plant. Use it as a specimen near an entryway, tuck it into a woodland garden, or line a property edge with a grouping of three or five for a naturalized look. It works beautifully as an understory tree beneath taller oaks and maples, and the non-invasive roots make it a smart pick for planting near foundations and patios.

Browse our full Flowering Dogwood collection, or explore more native plants and deer-resistant options to build out your landscape.

Planting and Care Tips

Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. The root flare should sit at or just above soil level. Backfill with the native soil and water deeply to settle everything in.

Apply a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy pruning; if shaping is needed, do it right after flowering wraps up in late spring. Learn more in our guide to caring for Dogwood trees, or read about the rich history of the Dogwood in American landscapes.

Botanical Name

Cornus florida
Class

Cornales
Species

florida
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

15-30 ft
Width

15-20 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White
Leaf Color

Green, Red, Purple
Fall Color

Red
Native

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and spread of a White Flowering Dogwood tree?

White Flowering Dogwood reaches 15-25 feet tall with a 20-25 foot spread at maturity. Growing 1-2 feet per year, you'll have a fully mature specimen by year seven. The non-invasive root system allows safe planting near foundations and walkways.

What kind of soil does White Flowering Dogwood prefer, like acidic or well-drained?

White Flowering Dogwood thrives in slightly acidic, well-drained soil but adapts to most garden conditions. This native tree is quite forgiving with soil types across Zones 5-9. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens that establish quickly in your existing soil.

How should I plant a White Flowering Dogwood, including hole depth and graft union position?

Plant your White Flowering Dogwood at the same depth it grew in the nursery container, with the root flare visible at soil level. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Since dogwoods have non-invasive roots, you can plant closer to structures than most trees.

How often do I need to water a newly planted White Flowering Dogwood to avoid root rot?

Water newly planted White Flowering Dogwood deeply once weekly, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. These trees prefer well-drained soil and can develop root rot in constantly soggy conditions. Check soil moisture 2-3 inches down before watering again.

How do I prune White Flowering Dogwood to improve airflow and structure?

Prune White Flowering Dogwood in late fall or winter to avoid disrupting the April-May bloom cycle. Remove crossing branches and thin the interior to showcase the natural horizontal branching pattern. Focus on light structural pruning since this tree naturally develops good form. Find quality specimens at naturehills.com.

Why isn't my White Flowering Dogwood blooming, and how long until it flowers?

White Flowering Dogwoods typically bloom within the first few years but reach peak performance by year seven. Young trees may skip blooming if stressed by too much afternoon sun (especially in Zones 8-9) or poor drainage. Ensure morning sun with afternoon shade and slightly acidic, well-drained soil for reliable April-May blooms.

Is White Flowering Dogwood deer resistant, and how to protect young trees from deer or borers?

White Flowering Dogwood is moderately deer resistant but young trees may need protection until established. Deer typically avoid mature specimens due to the bark texture and leaf compounds. Protect new plantings with tree guards or fencing for the first 2-3 years, and monitor for dogwood borers in stressed trees.

How is the White Flowering Dogwood shipped, and does it arrive healthy with leaves or buds?

White Flowering Dogwood trees ship bare root or in containers depending on season, arriving dormant in late fall through early spring for best establishment. You'll receive a healthy specimen that may appear leafless if shipped dormant, which is normal and preferred for transplant success. Plant immediately after arrival in your prepared site with morning sun and well-drained soil.