Dogwood trees and cherry blossoms are two of the most beloved flowering trees. Their early spring blooms herald the end of winter, bringing vibrant color and beauty to backyards and neighborhoods
But what exactly are the differences between these classic ornamental trees? Let’s explore everything you need to know about dogwoods vs. cherry blossoms to help choose the right one for your landscape.
Flower Structure
The most noticeable difference between dogwoods and cherry trees lies in their flowers.
Cherry blossom trees produce delicate white or pink flowers with five petals. These bloom in clusters directly on the tree’s branches
Dogwood trees don’t actually produce petaled flowers. Their blooms consist of showy bracts surrounding small clusters of tiny yellow flowers. Dogwood bracts come in white, pink, red, and other hues depending on variety.
Bloom Time
Cherry blossoms and dogwoods both deliver their floral displays in early to mid spring. However, their bloom times don’t completely overlap.
Cherry blossom trees reach peak bloom typically in March to early April. Some varieties bloom very early in spring.
Dogwood trees tend to hit peak bloom a few weeks later in April and early May. Dogwood bloom time can extend into late spring in some climates.
So cherry blossoms shine earliest, with dogwood flowers coming soon after to extend the floral show.
Mature Size
At maturity, cherry blossom trees tend to be smaller than dogwoods.
Cherry trees reach heights of 15-25 feet generally with a spread of 15-20 feet. They have a rounded, spreading habit.
Dogwood trees are taller, maturing at 20-30 feet tall usually with a 20-25 foot spread. Their growth habit is oval to rounded.
So cherry blossoms stay quite petite, while dogwoods gain a bit more stature.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Both trees thrive in partly shady sites with good air circulation. filtered sunlight is ideal.
Cherry blossoms require moist, well-draining loamy soil and do best in zones 5-9. Dogwoods prefer acidic, loamy soil and zones 5-9 as well.
Cherry trees tolerate more sun exposure than dogwoods, which appreciate afternoon shade.
Pruning Needs
Cherry blossom trees need very little pruning beyond removing dead or damaged branches.
Dogwood trees benefit from occasional corrective pruning when young to establish a good framework. Older trees can be thinned to improve air circulation.
Neither tree needs aggressive annual pruning.
Potential Problems
Cherry blossom trees are prone to issues like canker, blight, mildew, aphids, and tent caterpillars.
Dogwoods are susceptible to diseases like anthracnose and powdery mildew. Borers and leaf spot may also become issues.
So both trees can be vulnerable to certain pests and diseases if care is not optimal.
Comparing Landscaping Uses
Cherry Blossoms are perfect for:
- Accentuating corners
- Anchoring small yards
- Adding color near patios
- Lining walkways and entry paths
- Tucking into shrub borders
Dogwood Trees work well for:
- Providing dappled shade
- Framing views and structures
- Creating privacy screens
- Anchoring medium yards
- Providing seasonal interest near water features
Choosing Between Cherry Blossoms and Dogwoods
For compact size, choose cherry blossoms.
For shade potential, select dogwood trees.
For very early spring bloom, cherry blossoms emerge first.
For extended floral display, dogwood blooms follow a few weeks later.
Both are cherished for their ornamental beauty and seasonal appeal. Pick the one that best fits your landscape needs and growing conditions for many years of enjoyment!
Which Flowering Tree is Right for you?
For the earliest bloomer, go with the Yoshino, although the Redbud isnt far behind. If you want a white bloom look to the Yoshino or the Dogwood. The Redbud is a pinkish purple, probably best described as magenta. If you want a red (really a pinkish-red), look to the Dogwood. The Redbud has the most beautiful and unique leaves, but the Dogwood’s red fall color is hard to beat! The Redbud can grow in zones 4 and up. All of these spring blooming trees except the Yoshino can grow into a zone 9. The Kwanzan is the largest, while the other choices all have a similar mature size. Keep the Dogwood out of wet soil to avoid disease. The Kwanzan and the Eastern Redbud are probably the most hardy and adaptable options. Make sure not to count out our Japanese Snowbell which also blooms beautiful flowers come Spring.
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As the dry land comes to life and the weather gets warmer, we start to leave our homes and enjoy the sun. It’s time to enjoy the sights and smells of spring flowers outside! There are many ways to add color to your yard in the spring. Lets start with our recommendations for the best spring blooming trees.
Few early spring blossoms are more recognizable than the American Dogwood. And as far as bloom color you have options. Choose from White, Pink, and Red. When these stunning trees begin to bloom it is a sure sign that spring is coming.
The mature height and width of a Dogwood ranges from about 15 to 30 feet. These pretty trees can usually handle full sun, especially in cooler places, but they like some shade in warmer places. They do best in rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil, but they can grow in a lot of different conditions as long as they don’t get too wet. You can’t miss the beautiful red leaves in the fall! The scaly, light gray bark has its own beauty. Dogwoods thrive in growing zones 5 to 9, covering almost the entire US!.
Id be lying if I told you guys these arent my favorite flowering trees. The delicate beauty of their blooms are beyond compare. Im sure you have seen a tattoo or 10 showcasing sakura (cherry blossoms) and Flowering Cherry trees. So many things have been said about these beautiful flowers, from good luck to feminine strength to the fleeting beauty of life. Flowering Cherry Trees are native to Asia and are celebrated with festivals and parks and in art. When Japan sent these beautiful trees to the US as a gift in the early 1900s, people fell in love with them. The US followed suit with festivals, parks and art showcasing them as well.
The hardy Kwanzan has the longest bloom time of any Flowering Cherry tree. It also has the biggest, fullest flowers and the most beautiful golden-orange leaves in the fall. This tree can get up to 40 feet tall and wide. Kwanzan Flowering Cherry trees thrive in full sun and any well-drained soil. Like the Dogwood, this tree grows in most of the US with growing zones 5 to 9.
The classic Flowering Cherry tree may already have blooms on it. It is one of the first trees to flower, getting its blooms around the middle of March. This is probably the most popular Flowering Cherry tree. The blossoms of the Yoshino have a uniquely light and sweet almond scent. The fall color ranges from a yellow to a golden-orange. This trees mature height is 20 to 30 feet with a width of about 15 to 25 feet. This flowering tree is adaptable to a variety of well-drained soils and enjoys full to part sun. The Yoshino grows in zones 5 to 8.
The Redbud we just adore is the Eastern Redbud. This tree has some of the most interesting flowerings. Its blooms are a deep pinkish purple color and grow close to the trunk and branches. The leaves are heart-shaped and turn shiny red in the spring. As summer approaches, they turn a deep green color. The fall color is yellow. The rounded vase shape of this tree makes it stand out in this group of trees. The Eastern Redbud grows to be about 20 to 30 feet tall and wide at maturity. The Redbud is hardy, sturdy and adapts to a variety of soils. Provide full or partial sun. This tree grows in zones 4 to 9.
Flowering dogwood tree types to choose from
Are cherry blossoms better than a dogwood tree?
However, cherry blossoms are better than a dogwood tree if we talk about disease resistance. Cherry blossoms are resistant to disease & pest, meaning it requires low maintenance from the owner’s side. Dogwood tree woods are also resistant to disease but can be susceptible to some insect pests and fungal infections.
How big does a dogwood tree get?
They’re also small enough to place near a patio to provide a little shade. Dogwoods are generally taller than the flowering cherry tree, with the largest cultivars reaching up to 40 feet tall, if grown in the shade. If grown in full sunlight, the dogwood may only reach 15 to 20 feet.
Are dogwood trees currently flowering?
Dogwood trees, specifically flowering dogwoods, bloom during April and May. They are rated as the most appealing of all the native North American flowering trees and thrive in USDA zones 5 through 9.
What do dogwood berries look like?
Dogwood berries come in various colors and shapes. Some look like bright scarlet-red grape-like fruits growing in tight clusters. Others can be purple-black or white. Dogwood trees produce these berry-like fruits.