Red Pygmy Dogwood is a slow-growing dwarf native deciduous tree with a rounded habit noted for its distinctive rose red brackets with white nodes at the tips. Its leaves are a dark green that turns rust-red in fall. The full sized red flowers bloom in clusters in early spring and attract butterflies. Prefers part sun and slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
Cornus florida is a host for Spring Azure butterfly and Cecropia Silkmoth, and supports several specialized bees. The fruits are browsed by songbirds and mammals. Learn more about planting for butterflies with Georgia natives with this brochure.
Type: |
|
Origins: |
S. and E. North America; GA Native |
Height: |
3' - 7' |
Spread: |
2’ - 5' |
Spacing: |
3.5' |
USDA Hardiness Zone: |
5 - 9 |
Culture: |
|
Bloom Color: |
Red |
Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Prone to leaf scorching or spots in full sun. Stressed Dogwoods are susceptible to leaf spot, crown canker, root rot, powdery mildew, blight, and anthracnose. Anthracnose can be a serious problem. Mulching will help keep roots cool in summer.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Ponds or streams, Foundational Plantings.
COMPANION PLANTS: Chinese Redbud, Boxwood, Itea
IMAGES: Ted, DSC_0264, (2) Si Griffiths, Flowering Shrub At RHS Wisley Surrey UK, CC BY-SA 3.0
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.