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Dogwood Care in Cumming, GA

Posted by Christine Crandall on Mar 23, 2019 3:54:14 PM

Dogwoods are a beautiful flowering tree that is native in Georgia. There are multiple varieties available with different colors ranging from white to red. The dogwood is as Georgian as the azalea (the state flower), and it is a major source of natural beauty in the state.

Dogwood’s flowers are actually leaves.

white dogwood

The bract of the Dogwood, or the part commonly recognized as a flower, is not a flower. The bract is actually leaves that turn color or modify in response to flowering. This is similar to what Poinsettias do when their top leaves turn red. The flower blooms in the center of the bract and is much smaller. In the spring, when everyone is in awe of the flowering tree, they are actually in awe of leaves that have changed color.

Dogwood Facts

Soil:

One of the reasons Dogwood’s like Georgia is acidity and drainage. The Dogwood likes soil that is acidic, or has a lower pH. It also likes soil with good drainage, which makes Georgia’s mix of sand and clay the perfect environment. Still, it is important to note where Dogwoods are planted, making sure there actually is good drainage, nutrients, and acidity.

Water:

As you can imagine, Dogwoods don’t like to be waterlogged. This is why they prefer good drainage. However, they do like consistent moisture. This is why 3-4 inches of mulch is recommended to retain moisture.

Fertilizer:

New Dogwoods are sensitive to fertilizer, and only ¼ cup should be used once in March and once in July. Once established, it can be increased to a full cup. As the plant matures and becomes full-sized, this amount can be lessened because you aren’t as concerned with tree growth.

Pruning:

Mid-March is a good time to prune Dogwoods, as new growth will quickly come, and wounds will be covered with sap. Otherwise, wounds can attract bugs and disease.

Another note about pruning concerns the environment of the tree itself. Often, Dogwoods grow best underneath the canopy of other larger trees such as pines. Lack of sunlight can affect flowering, so make sure your tree is getting adequate sunlight.

Planting New:

If you want to start a new Dogwood, realize it will be fragile for the first couple years. If it was grown in a pot or container, it can be planted during any time of the year. If it is any other type of young Dogwood (i.e. burlapped), plant it during dormancy.

Don’t forget about the Atlanta Dogwood Festival April 12-14! 

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Topics: pruning