Stellar Pink® Dogwood

Cornus x 'Rutgan'

Nature Hills Nursery

Proven performance in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Vigorous hybrid with exceptional resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew.
Large, 3- to 5-inch shell-pink bracts bloom in late spring to extend the flowering season.
Reaches a full, uniform width of 15-20 feet with a dense, upright growth habit.

$138²⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container 4-5 Feet #1 Container 3-4 Feet #3 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun to ensure the most vibrant pink color and the heaviest bloom production. In hotter southern climates, providing afternoon shade is a smart move to prevent the foliage from looking scorched during the dog days of summer.
Soil: These trees prefer organically rich, acidic soil that drains quickly. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in some compost and plant the tree in a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in "cold feet" or stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, give your tree a deep soak twice a week to help the root system get fully established. Mature trees are more resilient, but inconsistent moisture can lead to smaller flower bracts and overall plant stress. Think of deep watering like a long drink for the tree that reaches the bottom of the roots, rather than just a quick sprinkle on the surface.

Pruning Tips

This hybrid blooms on old wood, so the best time to prune is in late winter while the tree is still dormant and the branch structure is visible. Focus on removing crossing branches or "suckers" at the base to maintain its elegant, upright shape. Pruning is mostly like a light haircut to keep the canopy open for better air circulation, which helps the tree stay healthy and vibrant.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer specifically for acid loving plants in early spring before the new leaves emerge. Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer. This prevents the tree from putting on soft, new growth that won't have time to "harden off" before the freezing temperatures of winter arrive.

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 7-12	Week of February 23rd

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 Romantic Spring Classic

The Stellar Pink® Dogwood (Cornus kousa x florida 'Rutgan') is a masterpiece of modern arboriculture, combining the best traits of the Chinese and American Dogwood parents. Emerging in late spring, this tree offers a romantic display of shell-pink bracts that unfold like four-petaled stars. These blush-colored "flowers" measure between 3 and 5 inches across, overlapping to create a soft, glowing canopy just as other spring bloomers begin to fade. Because this variety blooms 5 to 7 days later than the native American dogwood, it effectively extends the most beautiful season in your landscape.

Vigorous and Architectural Form

Developed by Rutgers University, the Stellar Pink® is celebrated for its vigorous growth and uniform fullness. While young trees maintain a somewhat columnar, upright habit, they eventually fill out into a dense, rounded specimen reaching up to 25 feet tall. Its horizontal branching pattern provides architectural interest even in the winter, making it a perfect year-round focal point for residential gardens, foundation plantings, or as a sophisticated street tree.

Multi-Season Interest and Resilience

As summer fades, the glossy dark-green leaves transform into a brilliant display of rusty brick-red, often accented with shades of purple and orange. Unlike its native parent, this hybrid is sterile and produces no fruit, eliminating messy litter on patios or sidewalks while remaining a valuable source of nectar for early-season pollinators. Best of all, it was bred for resilience, offering high resistance to the pests and diseases that often plague other dogwoods, ensuring your garden stays "Stellar" for years to come.

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Stellar Pink® Dogwood produce red berries?

No, this variety is a sterile hybrid and produces no fruit, which makes it a great "clean" tree for planting near patios and walkways.

How big will this tree get?

It typically matures to a height of 20-25 feet with a spread of 15-20 feet.

Is this tree resistant to dogwood diseases?

Yes, it was specifically bred for high resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew.

When does Stellar Pink® bloom?

It blooms in late spring, usually starting a few days after the American dogwood finishes its floral display.

Will it attract wildlife?

While it does not produce fruit for birds, the yellowish-green clusters at the center of the pink bracts provide nectar and pollen for early-season pollinators.

Stellar Pink® Dogwood