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.

$146³⁹

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

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 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

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

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

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

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

What is the size at maturity for Stellar Pink® Dogwood, including height and width?

Stellar Pink® Dogwood reaches up to 25 feet tall at maturity with a dense, rounded canopy of similar width. Young trees start with an upright, columnar habit before filling out into their full rounded form. Plan for adequate spacing to accommodate its eventual mature size in your landscape design.

Does Stellar Pink® Dogwood flower before or after the leaves emerge?

Stellar Pink® Dogwood blooms on bare branches in late spring, with flowers appearing before the leaves fully emerge. The shell-pink bracts unfold 5-7 days later than native dogwoods, extending your spring display. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable bloomer.

What are the sunlight requirements for Stellar Pink® Dogwood—full sun, partial shade, or something else?

Stellar Pink® Dogwood thrives in partial shade to full sun conditions. This hybrid performs best with morning sun and some afternoon protection, especially in hotter climates. Plant where it receives at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal blooming and fall color development.

How do I plant Stellar Pink® Dogwood, including best time and depth?

Plant Stellar Pink® Dogwood in early spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep, ensuring the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade for optimal blooming performance.

Is Stellar Pink® Dogwood disease-resistant, especially to anthracnose and powdery mildew?

Yes, Stellar Pink® Dogwood offers high resistance to pests and diseases that commonly plague other dogwoods, including anthracnose and powdery mildew. This Rutgers University hybrid was specifically bred for resilience, making it a reliable choice for gardeners who've struggled with disease-prone native dogwoods. Shop at Nature Hills for this proven performer.

What are the fertilizer needs for Stellar Pink® Dogwood?

Stellar Pink® Dogwood thrives with minimal fertilization due to its vigorous hybrid nature. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before the late-season bloom period. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce the spectacular 3-5 inch pink bracts and compromise disease resistance.

What is the shipping cost and process for Stellar Pink® Dogwood trees?

Shipping costs vary by tree size and your location, with most Stellar Pink® Dogwoods arriving via freight delivery due to their potential 25-foot mature size. Trees typically ship bare-root in early spring or potted during the growing season. Check the shipping calculator at checkout for exact costs and delivery timeframes to your zone.

When does Stellar Pink® Dogwood ship, and is there a zone-based schedule?

Stellar Pink® Dogwood ships during the optimal planting seasons of spring and fall when trees are dormant. Shipping schedules vary by hardiness zone to ensure trees arrive at the best planting time for your climate. Check your specific zone's shipping window on the product page before ordering.