For:
By: Daniel E. Mullins
Extension Horticulture Agent
The Dogwood Tree is a Local Favorite
The
flowering dogwood (Cornus
Flowering dogwood is an under-story tree in nature. This means that it is usually associated with, and is protected by an overhead canopy of larger tree species. In native and naturalized landscapes it provides early spring color and over time, a strikingly tiered, horizontal branching habit.
Most dogwoods also add fall color to the landscape. The amount of color depends upon the site and the seed source. Plants that receive a lot of sunlight provide red or maroon leaf color during the fall.
With the fall tree planting season
just around the corner, consider adding a dogwood or two to the landscape. This tree, though a native to
■ Obtain trees from local
stock. Most of the dogwoods that are
best adapted to the
■ Choose the planting site carefully. Dogwoods can be grown in sun or shade but prefer part shade, preferably in the afternoon. Shaded trees will grow more quickly and taller, but flower less and with less fall leaf color than those grown in full sun.
The soil should have good internal drainage. Dogwoods are not recommended for use in areas with heavy clay or wet soils.
■ Container grown trees are recommended for planting by homeowners. Though establishment using balled and burlapped trees is a possibility, this should be done during the dormant season.
■ Some gardeners who attempt to establish dogwoods experience failure due to excessively deep planting. Once planted, the top of the root ball should be slightly above the surrounding grade. Our latest planting recommendations specify that about ten percent of the root ball should be visible once the job is complete. Never place any soil over the root ball.
Create a 3-inch deep circle of mulch about 2 feet in diameter for each inch of trunk diameter on the surface beneath the tree. Do not place mulch on top of the root ball, but begin mulching at the outer edge. Increase the size of the mulched area as the tree grows. This technique will establish a tree quickly by eliminating competition from turfgrass and other plants.
■ Dogwoods are not tolerant of extended periods of drought. This is especially true during the first year after transplanting. During the first few weeks after planting apply small amounts of water to the root ball every day. Beginning about one month after planting, reduce the irrigation to twice each week for about one year. This will ensure that the tree becomes well established.
Establishment takes 6 to 12 months for each inch of trunk diameter. Therefore, home owners who choose to plant large trees should prepare for long term watering and mulching after planting.
Question of the Week: I just bought a house with a pond in the back. The ground in the back yard is never dry due to a natural spring. What can I grow in this wet, mushy soil?
Answer: Excessively wet areas in the landscape can be very frustrating when attempting to grow some of the more popular plants. There are some species however, that are more tolerant of wet soils. A list of these plants can be obtained online by going to http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG253 .
The title of the
publication is “North Florida Landscape Plants for Wet Areas.” Copies are also available at your local
Florida Cooperative Extension office.