Coral Red Dogwood Tree

Gardeners all around the world envy those who are lucky enough to garden in the north-east. Why? Because they have the beauty of our native flowering dogwood trees. These are universally considered to be the most beautiful flowering trees there are, with large blossoms smothering the bare branches in spring. The handsome heart-shaped leaves are lovely too, and the layered branching pattern of mature trees is both graceful and elegant. Fall brings a whole second act, when the leaves turn deep rich reds, and brighter scarlets, as beautiful as any fall tree can be. The flowers on wild trees are pure, snowy-white, but for our gardens we have other colors, and perhaps the most outstanding is a rich coral-red form that we have found a great supply of. These top-quality Coral Flowering Dogwood Trees glow with a unique coral tone that is between true pink and true red – and they are simply gorgeous.

The Coral Flowering Dogwood Tree is a medium-size tree that grows quickly into a spreading tree about 15 feet tall. In time it can reach 30 feet tall and even more wide, so allow plenty of room for its final spread when planting. This tree does not transplant well, so choose its spot carefully, considering overhead wires and surrounding obstructions. Such a beautiful tree deserves plenty of room to show off in. It will naturally develop into a tree with several main trunks, but with a little trimming you can retain a single trunk, or just two or three main trunks.

The annual show begins in April, when the flowers grow on the bare branches, before the leaves appear. These look like large blossoms with four petals, up to 4 inches across, but in fact they are modified leaves, called ‘bracts’, that look like petals but are not. You will see the true flowers as a cluster of greenish buds in the center of the ‘flower’, and they are small, without petals. In this beautiful variety the blooms are a rich coral-red, making an exquisite display in any garden. Grow this tree as a lawn specimen, or plant it around your home. Grow it at the back of your garden beds, or as an avenue along a driveway. Use a pair to frame a door or gate, or plant it in a natural setting at the edge of woodlands, or in clearings. Wherever you grow it you will love its remarkable and unique beauty.

As the blossoms fade – they remain showy for up to 4 weeks – the leaves emerge. These are between 4 and 6 inches long, and 3 inches wide, and they are gracefully heart-shaped, with pronounced veins and a slightly glossy surface once they are mature. They create a lovely summer mood, and within a few years the branches develop an elegant layered effect, which displays both the flowers and the foliage in a beautiful fashion. Then in fall the leaves turn to wonderful shades of deep red and scarlets, rivalling any other fall tree available. During summer you will see small green fruits that have developed from the true flowers. In late summer and early fall these turn red – they are not edible, but not poisonous either. Birds love them and they will soon be gone.

Plant the Coral Flowering Dogwood Tree in full sun or partial shade. Avoid planting in deeper shade, which can encourage the development of disease. Full sun is best in all but the hottest zones, where some afternoon shade will prevent scorching. The ideal soil is rich, moist, slightly acidic and well-drained, but this adaptable tree will grow in most garden soils that are not very alkaline. Use mulch over the root ball to conserve moisture, and water deeply during dry periods. If planted in good light, and with regular watering, this tree is unlikely to develop diseases, but if you live in an area with a high incidence of dogwood anthracnose in trees around you, we recommend you plant the Kousa Dogwood, or a hybrid dogwood – these trees are resistant to disease. Check our selection of dogwood trees to see which top-rated disease-resistant varieties we have available at this time.

The Coral Flowering Dogwood Tree is a selected form of the American dogwood, Cornus florida. This tree does indeed grow in Florida, but it is found all through the south-east, as far north as Massachusetts, and into Texas. It grows in sunny areas in forest clearings, and around the edges of forests. Wild trees have white blooms, but there are selected forms for gardens in many shades of pink and red. This particular tree is renowned for its unique coral blooms, a gorgeous color you will love to have in your garden. These beautiful flowering dogwoods are always in high demand, and the supply is always limited. Order now, while our stocks last, and join the ranks of gardeners who enjoy the unique spring and fall beauty of these wonderful native trees.