The full grown red dogwood tree (Cornus florida rubra) is truly one of the most captivating and multi-seasonal ornamental trees available. With its vibrant floral display, graceful form, showy fruit, and stunning fall color, this lovely small tree provides year-round visual excitement and appeal.
The red dogwood is a deciduous tree native to North America. It typically matures at a height and spread of 15-30 feet. Some trees may reach larger dimensions of 40 feet tall and wide in ideal growing conditions over time.
This small ornamental tree grows at a medium rate, adding around 1-2 feet of growth each year when young. Given its moderate mature size and rounded, horizontal branching habit, the red dogwood makes an excellent landscape choice for areas beneath utility lines or next to structures Its layered scaffold branches spread elegantly, providing nice dappled shade.
The Mesmerizing Spring Flower Show
The true claim to fame for the red dogwood lies in its spring blooming performance. Before the leaves emerge this tree explodes with an abundance of delicate flowers blanketing its bare branches.
The blooms feature four pinkish-white petal-like bracts surrounding a tight cluster of tiny yellowish flowers. As the bracts mature, they intensify to a vivid rosy red color that really grabs the eye.
This floral display typically lasts about a week in early to mid spring. The bright pops of red blooms stand out beautifully against the backdrop of green summer foliage that follows. It’s no wonder these flowering trees attract admiring glances!
Deep Green Summer Foliage
After the springtime bloom show concludes, the red dogwood produces an appealing canopy of oval deep green leaves. This fresh greenery unfurls as temperatures warm in early summer.
The shiny green leaves provide excellent contrast and a lush background for the continued floral display. Small green flower clusters mature into ruby red fruits, known as drupes. Songbirds relish these red berry-like structures as a food source.
Dramatic and Vibrant Fall Color
With the arrival of autumn’s cooler weather, the green summer foliage transitions again into a dramatic display of fall color. Leaves turn vibrant hues of crimson, purple, scarlet and burgundy.
When backlit by the sun, these colorful leaves seem to glow with intense red tones. They provide a spectacular showing for several weeks before dropping in late fall. People flock to see the radiant fall color show dogwoods provide.
Striking Winter Interest
Even during the leafless winter season, the red dogwood maintains ornate appeal. With the foliage shed, the unique patchy bark comes into full view.
The bark has an attractive mosaic-like pattern comprised of grays, tans, and rich browns. The persistent red fruit contrasts nicely against evergreen foliage. The artistic branching form also stands out when bare.
Growing Conditions for Thriving Red Dogwood Trees
For your red dogwood to reach its maximum growth potential and beauty, provide the following optimal care:
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Sun: Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade. Avoid deep shade.
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Soil: Prefers moist, well-draining, acidic soil. Intolerant of overly wet or compacted soils.
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Water: Water regularly after planting and during times of drought once established. Provide about 1-2 inches per week.
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Fertilizer: In early spring, fertilize with a balanced, slow-release formula to encourage growth.
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Pruning: Prune only to shape tree or remove damaged branches. Prune in late winter when dormant.
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Pest/disease resistance: No serious issues, but can develop problems if stressed. Promote vigor through proper care.
Enjoying the Year-Round Allure of Mature Red Dogwoods
When provided with proper placement and care, the full grown red dogwood tree becomes an exceptional ornamental specimen. Allow it to showcase its grace, beauty, and multi-season appeal for decades to come.
Few other small trees can compete with the captivating floral display, graceful form, glossy leaves, striking fall color, and artistic winter appeal of the mature red dogwood. It’s sure to draw admiration from neighbors and passersby when incorporated into the home landscape.
Commonly Asked Questions About Full Grown Red Dogwood Trees
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How tall and wide do red dogwood trees grow when mature?
- They typically reach 15-30 feet tall and wide when fully grown. Maximum size may be up to 40 feet high/wide.
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How fast does the red dogwood tree grow each year?
- Growth rate averages 1-2 feet per year while young. Slows down as it matures over 15-20 years.
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When does the red dogwood bloom flowers and produce fruit?
- Flowers emerge in early to mid spring. Fruit develops in summer and persists into fall/winter.
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Does the red dogwood lose its leaves in winter?
- Yes, the red dogwood is deciduous and drops its leaves in autumn before going dormant.
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How long do red dogwood trees live?
- Given proper care, red dogwoods typically live over 30 years. Some may reach 80-100 years.
With its spectacular floral show, graceful form, and fabulous year-round interest, the full grown red dogwood tree is sure to be a prized addition to yards and gardens for years to come!
When Are Red Dogwood In Bloom?
A Red Dogwood tree reaches full bloom in the spring. A Red Dogwood produces several 1 to 2 ½ inch sized clusters of small flowers lasting about a week in the summer.
Red dogwood flowers display lovely shades of red, pink, and white across four petals or “bracts”. Individual petal-like bracts (modified leaves) feature a distinct indentation on the tip that sets them apart from other flowers.
The four showy bracts culminate and center around a yellowish-green cluster of tiny blooms. These subtle blooms are the true flowers of the tree. These delightful flower clusters can emerge from early to late spring and tend to attract butterflies!
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The Dark Red Dogwood Tree boasts unusually colorful flowers, foliage, and fruit throughout the year to put on a delightful display. This ornamental tree truly has it all. In spring, its blush red flowers dazzle the eyes. By fall, glossy red drupe berries adorn its branches, and its green leaves turn to a purplish crimson. If you’re looking for a splash of vivid color in your garden, this is the tree for you.
Though the flowering tree is attractive year round, both spring and fall offer stunning displays of warm red color that give it its name.
Glossy red foliage appears as new growth in spring. The red leaves mature to a green color in summer and early fall. When temperatures drop, the leaves fade to crimson red with a purple tint to put on a glorious fall display. Where the flowers faded, red fruit will appear in fall and winter.
Red dogwoods are deciduous and native to the United States. The leaves are an attractive Kelly green through summer and turn to lovely shades of crimson with hints of purple by fall. The bark of the dogwood tree is also attractive with its ashy grey charcoal color.
The glossy, bright red fruit of the dogwood is a delicious treat for birds and wildlife throughout the fall and winter. For this reason, you may want to plant your dogwood in a location ideal for birdwatching.
This early spring bloomer is the perfect small tree perfect for small spaces in the landscape or under utility lines. Its a lovely accent or focal tree so be sure to plant it somewhere where it can be enjoyed.
5 Favorite Flowering Dogwood Trees | NatureHills.com
FAQ
How big do red dogwood trees get?
The showy Red Dogwood tree is a lovely accent or focal tree. Growing from 15 to 30 tall and wide at maturity, this dogwood is large enough to be a yard tree, but stays small enough to be used in a garden or a larger mixed or raised bed.
What are the disadvantages of the Dogwood tree?
Flowering dogwoods are understory trees that do not tolerate long periods of full sun. In the heat of summer and/or during periods of drought the edges of leaves may turn brown. Provide additional moisture if required or afternoon shade–noon to 5 p.m.
How quickly does red dogwood grow?
This suckering shrub can spread rapidly, up to 2 feet in a single growing season.
How long does it take for dogwood to reach full height?
Most dogwood trees take about 10 to 20 years to reach their full size. This timeframe can vary significantly based on species and growing conditions. Understanding these growth patterns can help you plan your garden effectively.