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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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 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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

Does Stellar Nova™ Dogwood grow well in zone 5, or is it only for zones 6-8?

Stellar Nova™ Dogwood thrives in zones 5-8, making it suitable for zone 5 gardens. This Rutgers-bred hybrid was specifically developed for superior cold hardiness and heat tolerance compared to traditional dogwoods. Plant it as a specimen tree where you can enjoy its late-May blooms and compact 10-15 foot mature size.

How much sun does Stellar Nova™ Dogwood need—full sun, partial shade, or morning sun only?

Stellar Nova™ Dogwood thrives in full sun to partial shade, with its heat-resistant foliage maintaining deep green color even in intense summer conditions. Unlike traditional dogwoods that may struggle in hot afternoon sun, this hybrid's rugged genetics handle full sun exposure beautifully. For best flowering and heat tolerance, plant in morning sun with some afternoon protection, available at naturehills.com.

Is Stellar Nova™ Dogwood resistant to anthracnose and other common dogwood diseases?

Stellar Nova™ Dogwood shows excellent resistance to anthracnose and powdery mildew, inheriting disease tolerance from its Kousa dogwood parentage. This Rutgers-bred hybrid was specifically developed to overcome the disease susceptibility of native flowering dogwoods. Plant it in well-draining soil with morning sun for best disease prevention.

Does Stellar Nova™ Dogwood produce messy fruit, or is it sterile?

Stellar Nova™ Dogwood is sterile and produces no fruit. This hybrid focuses all its energy on producing spectacular flowers and foliage rather than messy seed production. You'll enjoy the brilliant white blooms without any cleanup hassles in your landscape.

Can Stellar Nova™ Dogwood tolerate wet soil, or does it need well-drained conditions?

Stellar Nova™ Dogwood prefers well-drained soil and can struggle in consistently wet conditions. Like most dogwoods, it performs best in moist but not waterlogged soil. If your site has drainage issues, consider planting on a slight slope or adding organic matter to improve soil structure before planting.

How big are the plants when shipped, and are they bare root or potted?

Stellar Nova™ Dogwoods ship as potted plants, typically 3-4 feet tall in 3-gallon containers. The robust root system establishes quickly compared to bare root options. Plant in spring or fall for best results, giving it space to reach its mature 10-15 foot height.

What is the shipping guarantee or warranty for Stellar Nova™ Dogwood from the nursery?

Nature Hills backs all plants with a 1-year guarantee from date of purchase. If your Stellar Nova™ Dogwood doesn't establish properly, they'll replace it or provide store credit. Check your specific shipping zone and planting timeline when you order.

How do I plant Stellar Nova™ Dogwood upon arrival—any special instructions for watering?

Plant Stellar Nova™ Dogwood in well-draining soil with morning sun and afternoon shade. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, keeping the root flare at soil level. Water deeply at planting, then maintain consistent moisture the first growing season.