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Tree Guide

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Red DogwoodCornus florida var. rubra

  • Red Dogwood - Cornus florida 'Rubra'
Aptly named, the red dogwood brings a splash of color to the seasons. Red blooms cover the tree in spring, and reddish-purple leaves as well as glossy red fruit adorn it in the fall.

This dogwood is a great landscape addition near utility lines, next to buildings, or near patios. It is also an excellent contrast tree for larger evergreen backgrounds.

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Hardiness Zones

The red dogwood can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 5–9. View Map

Tree Type

This tree is considered both a flowering tree and an ornamental tree. It is typically planted for both its visual interest and profusion of spring flowers.

Mature Size

The red dogwood grows to a height of around 25' and a spread of around 25' at maturity.

Growth Speed Medium Growth Rate

This tree grows at a medium rate, with height increases of 13–24" per year.

Sun Preference

Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference

The red dogwood grows in acidic, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.

Attributes

This tree:
  • Blooms in April and May, with red bracts that resemble petals nestled around a compact group of flowers.
  • Features dark green leaves that are oval or ovate and 3–6" long. They turn reddish-purple in the fall.
  • Produces glossy red fruit that ripen in the fall.
  • Grows in a rounded shape.

Wildlife Value

The red dogwood is an important source of food for many small birds and mammals including robins, cardinals and waxwings.