January 18th, 2009 Pagoda Dogwood
Young tree planted in front of plain brick wall. In time the tree will fill the space and soften the look of the wall. Note the shredded red cedar mulch that helps with acidity levels of the soil.
Close up of Pagoda Dogwood flowers
Cornus alternifolia
This is an interesting but under utilized small tree, perfect for smaller landscapes.
A native dogwood, with horizontal branching . White flowers in the spring followed in the fall by dark blue berries. Alternating light green foliage turning red in the fall.
Height 15’ – 25’
Width 1 ½ times its height
Flowers 1 ½” – 2 ½” creamy white clusters that last approximately
7 – 10 days from May until early June
Fruit ¼” berries born in July – August changing from green to red
to dark blue as the fruit matures
Location Prefers partial shade though will perform well in full sun given enough moisture and protection
Soil Likes acidic, mois,t well drained soil
Insects Scale, borers (several species), leaf miner
Diseases Powdery mildew, crown canker, blights, root rot
Uses As specimen plant or in shrub border where horizontal
lines are needed to break up vertical lines of surrounding architecture
NOTES: Must be planted in the spring. Young transplants have better success rates than older trees. Fibrous spreading root system must have acidic, moist soil
