The full grown red dogwood tree (Cornus florida) is a stunning ornamental tree that provides multi-season visual appeal With its vibrant spring blooms, striking foliage, graceful form, and captivating fall and winter colors, it’s easy to see why the mature red dogwood is a prized addition for landscapes across the country
Mature Growth Habit
Given proper growing conditions and care, the red dogwood slowly matures into a lovely small ornamental tree typically reaching 15-30 feet tall and wide at full size.
It exhibits a rounded horizontal branching habit, with layered scaffold branches spreading elegantly outward from the trunk. This natural shape gives it a graceful distinguished form.
The ornamental qualities of the red dogwood continue to improve as the tree ages. The bark takes on a unique patchwork texture comprised of gray, tan and reddish brown squares that further enhance its beauty.
Stunning Spring Flower Display
Without a doubt, the highlight of the red dogwood is its spring flowering performance. Before the leaves emerge in early to mid spring, the tree explodes with an abundance of delicate blooms.
The four-petaled flowers open a soft pinkish white, then intensify to a vivid rosy red as they mature. Blanketing the bare branches, these vibrant blossoms create a spectacular floral showcase that’s sure to attract attention.
Various pollinators, like bees and butterflies, flock to the nectar-rich blooms, making dogwoods ecologically important. The red flowers also beautifully contrast against the tree’s green summer foliage.
Lovely Summer Foliage
Following the spring bloom display, the red dogwood produces a fresh canopy of green, oval-shaped leaves. These shiny green leaves unfurl as the temperatures warm, providing shade and a lush backdrop for the tree’s continuing floral show.
In summer, small clusters of light green flowers mature into red berry-like drupes. These small red fruits are showy against the green leaves, creating summer-long interest. Birds also relish these red berries as a food source.
Vibrant Fall Foliage
As autumn approaches, the green summertime leaves transform again, adopting vibrant hues. Shades of red, purple, burgundy and scarlet provide a dramatic fall showing that rivals the colors of maple trees.
This radiant foliage is a striking addition to the fall landscape palette and often lasts for several weeks before the leaves drop.
Attractive Winter Interest
Even during the leafless winter months, mature red dogwoods maintain visual appeal. The textured, patchy bark comes into full view, displaying its mosaic-like pattern of grays, tans, and browns.
The red berries may persist into winter as well, complementing evergreen trees and shrubs when most other vegetation has gone dormant. The handsome branching structure and form of the tree also remains on full display.
Tips for Growing a Thriving Red Dogwood
To encourage your red dogwood to reach its full mature size and beauty, provide the following care:
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Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Avoid overly wet conditions.
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Water regularly after planting, then monitor soil moisture and water during droughts once established.
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Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and temperature.
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Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formula. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers.
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Prune only to shape tree or remove damaged branches. Do this in late winter when dormant.
With proper placement and care, your full grown red dogwood will develop into a captivating focal point and true standout specimen as it matures. Enjoy its lasting grace, ornate beauty, and fabulous multi-season appeal for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mature Red Dogwood Trees
How big do red dogwood trees get at full size?
The red dogwood typically reaches a mature height and width of 15-30 feet when fully grown. It has a rounded, spreading form.
How fast do red dogwood trees grow?
Red dogwoods are relatively slow growing, averaging about 1-2 feet of growth per year when young. They reach their full size over a period of 15-20 years in ideal conditions.
Do red dogwood trees lose their leaves in winter?
Yes, the red dogwood is deciduous and loses its leaves in fall before going dormant for winter. It will regrow fresh green leaves each spring.
What is the lifespan of a red dogwood tree?
With proper care and favorable growing conditions, a red dogwood tree can live for over 30 years. Some dogwoods may live upwards of 80-100 years.
Are red dogwood trees prone to pests or diseases?
Dogwoods can be susceptible to issues like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and pests like borers if care is not taken to promote vigor through proper siting, pruning, and watering.
Is the red dogwood tree toxic?
The red dogwood tree itself is not toxic and is considered wildlife-friendly. However, ingesting high quantities of its bitter berries may cause mild stomach upset in humans.
When is the best time to prune a red dogwood tree?
Pruning is ideally done when the red dogwood is dormant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Avoid heavy pruning that removes major branches or leaders.
How often should you water a mature red dogwood tree?
Water mature red dogwoods about once a week during drought periods, providing about 1-2 inches of water. Monitor soil moisture and water when the top few inches become dry.
Following proper growing guidelines will ensure your red dogwood reaches its full potential for lasting beauty as an ornamental specimen tree that graces your landscape in all seasons.