Deciding Between Red and Pink Dogwood Trees Which Variety is Right for Your Yard?
Dogwood trees are beloved for their showy spring blooms and attractive foliage. Two popular varieties are the red dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Rubra’) and the pink dogwood (Cornus florida). Though similar, these two trees have some key differences when it comes to flowers, growth habit, and care. Read on to learn more about red versus pink dogwood trees and decide which one may be best for your landscape.
Flower ColorThe most obvious difference between these two varieties is the color of the bracts or modified leaves that surround the small flower clusters. The red dogwood variety has deep rosy red bracts that can range from ruby red to raspberry pink. Meanwhile, the pink dogwood has softer, lighter pink bracts in shades of baby pink to coral.
When evaluating flower color, it helps to think about what existing colors and plants you have in your yard. The bold ruby red flowers of the red dogwood make a dramatic statement and pair nicely with evergreens, white-blooming shrubs, or perennials with silver or purple foliage. The subtler pinks of the pink dogwood blend in more softly and complement pastels, yellows, and whites.
Bloom Time
Both the red and pink dogwood bloom in spring, usually mid to late April across most of their hardiness range. However, the red dogwood variety tends to bloom slightly later, up to 2 weeks after the pink. This means the pink dogwood flowers may be more prone to late frost damage. On the other hand, the red dogwood’s later bloom time extends the spring flowering display in the landscape.
Growth Rate and HabitIn terms of growth rate the red and pink dogwood are fairly similar averaging about 1-2 feet of growth per year once established. Both trees reach a mature size of about 20-30 feet tall and wide in an oval to rounded shape. However, the pink dogwood is often a bit larger and vigorous than the red. It also has a tendency for multiple trunks while the red dogwood is more often single-trunked. So keep in mind the pink takes up a bit more space.
Ornamental Features
Beyond spring flowers, dogwoods offer three-season appeal. Both the red and pink varieties produce vibrant red fruits beloved by birds in late summer to fall. They also have striking red to purplish fall leaf color. The red dogwood’s foliage takes on wine-red tones while the pink dogwood is more fuchsia. Both hold their leaves late into fall for maximal impact. Even in winter, the dogwood’s branching form and silhouette makes a statement. The red dogwood’s branches take on a hint of red tint for added interest.
Care Needs
Fortunately, both the red and pink dogwood varieties share very similar care needs. Here are some key requirements to help them thrive:
- Partial sun to light shade exposure
- Moist, well-draining, acidic soil
- Shelter from strong winds
- 2-4 inches of mulch around base
- Pruning only when necessary for shape/health
- Avoiding fertilizer which can damage surface roots
Dogwoods also require proper watering, especially when newly planted. They have shallow root systems and don’t tolerate drought. Provide supplemental water during dry periods. Also scout regularly for common pests like borers, scale, and leaf spot fungus.
Hardiness Zone Range
The red and pink dogwood have an expansive hardiness range, enduring winters from USDA zones 5-9. This makes them suitable for most areas of the country except for the hottest climates and freezing cold regions. The pink dogwood variety can struggle with heat more so choose the red for hotter zones like 8 and 9. For colder zones like 5 and 6, the red dogwood may be less cold hardy than the pink.
Availability
While technically considered varieties of Cornus florida, the red and pink dogwood are usually grafted when sold commercially. This is because they don’t come true from seed. Both can be commonly found at local nurseries that carry trees and shrubs. Online retailers also sell container-grown specimens if you can’t find what you’re looking for locally. Expect to pay $50-150 depending on the size.
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FAQ
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What is pink flowering dogwood?
The Pink Flowering dogwood, a variant of Cornus florida, is renowned for its stunning pink blossoms that bloom in spring. The flowers, though not fragrant, add a splash of color to any landscape. This tree grows to a height of 15-30 feet and forms a rounded canopy. In the fall, its leaves turn brilliant red, and it produces red berries.
What does a Pink Dogwood tree look like?
Stellar Pink Dogwood (Cornus x ‘Rutgan’) The Stellar Pink dogwood, a hybrid variety, is admired for its soft pink flowers that bloom in late spring. This tree grows up to 20 feet tall and has a rounded form. It produces small, bird-attracting berries in the summer, and its leaves turn a bold red in the fall.
Are Pink Dogwood trees good?
Like other dogwoods, the pink varieties are very good landscape trees for the rest of the year, with green foliage that turns purplish in fall and reddish berries that draw butterflies and birds. They’re also not very messy trees. At a growth rate of about 1 foot per year, the pink dogwood tree can quickly become a robust addition to the landscape.
Are dogwood trees flowering?
Dogwoods are arguably the most spectacular flowering trees. A native tree with several seasons of interest, dogwoods bloom in the spring, leaf out in the summer, and bear red berries and foliage in the fall. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for flowering dogwoods. Dogwoods are a group of shrubs and small trees in the genus Cornus.