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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
$4988
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Plant Size

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 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7 Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12 Week of February 15th


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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
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Every spring, your White Flowering Dogwood becomes the star of the neighborhood when clouds of white bracts appear before a single leaf unfolds. This native flowering dogwood tree (Cornus florida) delivers what gardeners really want: easy care, four seasons of interest, and the kind of natural elegance that makes your yard feel like a woodland retreat right outside your door.

White dogwood trees grow at a moderate pace of 1-2 feet per year, reaching a mature size of 15-25 feet tall with an equally graceful 20-25 foot spread. You'll see blooms within the first few years, and by year seven, you're looking at a fully mature specimen providing real privacy and shade. The root system stays polite and non-invasive, so you can plant your American dogwood tree closer to patios, foundations, and walkways without worry.

Hardiness across Zones 5-9 makes this tree adaptable to most regions. Give it morning sun and afternoon shade, especially if you're gardening in Zone 8-9 where summer heat can stress the foliage. Northern gardeners in Zones 5-6 can provide more sun. The tree thrives in slightly acidic, well-drained soil but adjusts to most garden conditions without fuss.

After the April-May bloom show wraps up, glossy green leaves provide a cooling canopy through summer. Come fall, foliage shifts to burgundy and wine-red tones while bright red berries feed migrating songbirds. Even winter brings interest as the distinctive horizontal branching pattern creates architectural lines against snow or evergreens.

Use your white flowering dogwood as a front yard focal point where neighbors can enjoy the spring display, or layer several as an understory planting beneath taller oaks and pines to recreate that native woodland edge. The moderate height works perfectly for framing entryways or anchoring corner beds where you need vertical interest without blocking windows. As a Virginia, North Carolina, and Missouri state tree, this one carries a sense of place wherever you plant it.

Your landscape deserves a tree that delivers year-round beauty without demanding constant attention. This one does exactly that.

Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do white dogwood trees grow?
  • White dogwood trees grow at a moderate rate of 1-2 feet per year. Under ideal conditions with morning sun and afternoon shade, your tree will reach its mature height of 15-25 feet in 7-10 years.

When do white dogwood trees bloom?
  • White dogwood trees bloom in April through May, typically before leaves emerge. The white bracts (often mistaken for petals) last 2-3 weeks and appear on trees as young as 2-3 years old.

Do white dogwoods need full sun or shade?
  • White dogwoods prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in Zones 8-9 where afternoon heat can stress foliage. In northern zones (5-6), they tolerate more direct sun throughout the day with consistent moisture.

How big do flowering dogwoods get?
  • Flowering dogwoods typically reach 15-25 feet tall with a 20-25 foot spread at maturity. Growth rate averages 1-2 feet per year, so expect a 10-foot tree to reach full size in 7-10 years.

Are dogwood roots invasive?
  • Dogwood roots are not invasive and spread in a shallow, fibrous pattern. You can safely plant white dogwoods 8-10 feet from foundations, patios, and driveways without risk of damage.

What are the best white dogwood varieties?
  • Cherokee Princess offers reliable growth and large white bracts. Cloud 9 produces exceptionally heavy blooms. Appalachian Spring provides superior anthracnose disease resistance for areas with fungal pressure.

When is the best time to plant white flowering dogwood?
  • The best time to plant white flowering dogwood is early spring or fall when temperatures are mild. Spring planting (March-April) allows roots to establish before summer heat, while fall planting (September-October) takes advantage of cooler weather and winter rains.
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