The Dogwood Tree - A Mass Of Color In Spring
The Dogwood tree is one of
the most popular springtime flowering trees.
Varieties of this plant specimen will grow well
in zones four through nine in the United States.
This is one of America's most popular trees.
The state of Virginia is proud to call this
specie its state tree.
In the Southern United
States, Atlanta, Georgia holds a festival every
April. People take the time to admire the
different varieties of massive flowers in colors
of white, yellow, and pink. Each variety has its own
characteristic.
One of the interesting aspects of this deciduous
tree is the fall color. In late summer the leaves
will turn different shades of red to burgundy, and
berries highlight the leaves. The Dogwoods create
their own beauty and compliment other trees in the
autumn, such as the rich colors of Maples.
It is the springtime when the varieties of
Dogwoods take center stage. The entire plant
family can take full sun to shade. The mature
height can reach twenty feet. This will depend
of the variety.
Below are a few varieties of this vibrant plant specimen.
- Kousa - white flowers, zones five through
nine. Splendid Japanese ornamental tree for your patio
area. Great tree in front of a group of evergreens acting
as a backdrop.
- Satomi - gorgeous pink flowers and is a later
bloomer. The Satomi is another Japanese ornamental
and in the fall pink tone berries appear. Great tree in
the front yard or a defined garden.
- Snow White - is another tree with massive
white blossoms that can range four to five inch flowers.
Another wonderful ornamental tree as a focal point in
the spring.
- Redstone - is smaller and unique for this
family. It produces yellow flowers and is one of the
earliest bloomers. In the summertime,red tone
berries appear and an inviting tree for many different
birds. A great accent tree in a formal or informal
garden setting.
- Red Flowering - is an excellent specimen
in a staggered row along the side of a home. The flowers
appear in a rich ruby color. In the autumn the leaves
turn into burgundy or crimson tone. A great specimen to plant near is the
Cypress.
- Pink Flowering - very popular tree
in a variety of gardens. The large pink flowers
are displayed in early springtime.
In the
first part of the fall season brilliant red berries
appear and will last throughout the winter months.
The
Dogwood is an exceptional tree to plant
in any location on your property. It adapts well
to most soil conditions, and does well if left in
its natural form and not pruned. A great overall
small to medium size tree.
Trees for All Seasons: Broadleaved Evergreens for Temperate Climates
is an exceptional resource book for you.
Sean takes you into the world of a variety of tree specimens. Many of these trees will compliment
the Dogwood.
One of the goals I have when designing a garden or landscape is to make sure the area is balanced with color, texture, height and width.
I recommend Sean's book for you.
In the
examples of landscape solutions designs, the Dogwood compliments Azaleas.
This is a simple design that incorporates
Azaleas with the Dogwood.
Plant this tree in a
landscape area with a mass of Azaleas, and you
will have exceptional color to enjoy throughout
the springtime. This tree family is truly a colorful
and deciduous specimen for many areas.
A great time to think about planting this family is during the winter
months. As soon as the temperature warms up, decide on which variety you want, and prepare to plant in the spring.