Dogwood flower colors are a delightful natural spectacle, offering a captivating display that enchants its beauty.
In this blog, I’ll take a closer look at the enchanting varieties of dogwood trees, explore their one-of-a-kind traits, and the different types you can find in gardens and parks.
Join me on this colorful journey as we reveal the beauty of dogwood flowers’ secrets and discover how to care for them, ensuring they continue to dazzle our surroundings with their blooms in shades.
What Are Dogwood Flower Colors?
The predominant dogwood flower color is white, but they can also be found in pink or, less commonly, yellow hues.
The Cherokee cultivars of C. florida include pink and red flowering dogwoods, while white varieties like Weaver’s White and Welch’s Bay Beauty are also available.
While the flower color options are somewhat limited, the size and shape of the flowers can still exhibit significant variation.
What Does A Dogwood Tree Look Like?
A dogwood tree is a sight to behold, showcasing its unique beauty through its gorgeous flowers, leaves, and tree bark.
Flowers
Dogwood flowers hold a delightful surprise – what we often consider the main attractive part is not the flower but the bracts.
The true flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and hardly noticeable. Instead, the lovely white bracts steal the show, growing to around 2 inches long.
These beautiful bracts surround the small white flowers, creating a captivating sight.
They stay charming for quite some time, lasting from 10 days to two weeks, giving us a wonderful view of these lovely white flowers.
Leaves
Dogwood leaves are oval-shaped with noticeable veins and grow alternately. In the fall, dogwood trees have colorful leaves.
At the beginning of the season, the leaves are deep red with shades of orange or yellow, making them look warm and pretty.
Later, they turn a stunning scarlet color, creating a breathtaking display of nature’s beauty.
The Pacific flowering dogwood, in particular, stands out with its stunning yellow-orange brilliant fall color displays, adding a pop of vibrant color to the autumn scenery.
Dogwood Bark
The bark of the flowering dogwood tree possesses a unique and eye-catching look. It is characterized by a distinct scaly appearance, forming square patterns surrounded by deep ridges.
The common color of the bark typically ranges from dark brown to gray, adding to its distinctive charm.
Observing a dogwood tree’s textured and patterned bark can be a fascinating and delightful experience for any nature enthusiast.
Types Of Flowering Dogwood Trees
Several captivating types of flowering dogwood trees add beauty and charm to landscapes.
American Dogwood Tree
The American dogwood tree is versatile and hardy and thrives in various regions, particularly in zones 5 to 9.
Standing tall, it can reach heights of up to 30 feet, forming a pyramid shape that showcases its beautiful flowers.
In late summer, the tree is adorned with red berries, although they are not suitable for consumption due to their bitter taste.
As autumn comes, the leaves of the American dogwood tree undergo a stunning transformation, turning into a rich shade of red, adding to its overall charm.
Among the popular dogwood varieties is the ‘Cherokee Chief,’ cherished for its deep pink flowers and striking red leaves that adorn the tree throughout spring and summer.
Asian Dogwood Tree
The Asian Dogwood Tree resembles its American counterpart and can be cultivated as a multi-stemmed tree.
Their blooming time sets them apart, with Asian dogwoods flowering about a month later than American varieties of dogwoods.
This unique feature makes them a wonderful addition to gardens, extending the flowering season well into early summer.
One of the most notable varieties, the Kousa Dogwood, has the remarkable advantage of being immune to anthracnose, a deadly disease that affects American dogwoods.
Moreover, the Asian types of dogwood trees offer a delightful array of colors.
As autumn arrives, this tree treats us to delicious and edible fruit, making it a favorite among gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
Hybrid Dogwood Trees
Hybrid Dogwood Trees result from cross-breeding efforts by plant scientists and breeders at Rutgers University.
By combining American dogwood with Asian dogwood species, they created new trees that offer remarkable benefits.
These hybrids are known for their resistance to disease, fast growth, and adaptability to different garden conditions, making them an excellent choice for various landscapes.
Among these hybrids, the charming “Little Ruby,” a smaller tree, delights with rich pink dogwood flowers and striking deep red new growth.
On the other hand, the “Stellar Pink” dogwood stands taller and showcases beautiful light and bright pink flowers, complemented by a display of purple-red fall colors.
These hybrid trees are disease resistant and put on a dazzling show of colors during autumn, making them favorites among gardeners and nature enthusiasts.
How To Care For Flowering Dogwood?
Here are some essential tips you should know for caring for your flowering dogwood tree:
- Suitable Growing Zones: Ensure your flowering dogwood is planted in zones 5 to 9, avoiding areas with extreme cold, heat, or high winds.
- Choosing the Right Planting Location: Opt for a spot with acidic and well-drained soil. Conduct a soil test to determine the type of soil you have.
- Height and Spread: Be mindful of the mature tree’s size – it can grow 20 to 40 feet tall with a spread of 15 to 30 feet.
- Sunlight Needs: Plant your dogwood in a partial shade where it can receive direct sunlight for 4 to 6 hours daily.
- Bloom Time: Enjoy the beautiful blooms from late spring to early May. The beautiful flowers will transform into cranberry red hues, accompanied by bright red berries during the fall.
- Pruning: Flowering dogwood typically grows into a neat shape on its own. However, you can prune it during the fall to adjust its shape or size.
With these tips in mind, you can provide the necessary care for your flowering dogwood, ensuring it thrives and showcases its stunning colors and blooms.
FAQs
Can The Color Of A Dogwood Flower Vary Within The Same Tree?
Yes, the color of a dogwood flower can vary within the same tree. This can be due to genetic variation, environmental factors, or both.
Are There Any Rare Or Unusual Colors Of Dogwood Flowers?
Yes, dogwood flowers have rare or unusual colors, such as yellow flowers, pink dogwood flowers, and red.
Do Different Species Of Dogwood Have Different Flower Colors?
Yes, different species of dogwood can have different flower colors. For example, the Cornus Kousa has pink or red flowers, while the Pacific dogwood has white or cream-colored flowers.
Conclusion
Dogwood trees are a true treasure in the botanical world, enchanting us with alluring dogwood flower colors, distinctive leaves, and fascinating bark patterns.
Whether you opt for the classic American dogwood, the elegant Asian variety, or the resilient hybrid types, each tree offers its charm and appeal.
With proper care and attention, your showy flower trees will grace your garden with its delightful presence for years.
Embrace the beauty of these magnificent trees and savor the joys they bring throughout the seasons.
