Dogwood Plant List

In addition to the stunning large-flowered types you may be familiar with there are less well-known dogwoods that deserve a place in our landscapes. Generally, dogwoods prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained, acidic soil. Chicago area soils tend to be alkaline, not acidic. Twice yearly applications of a product containing sulfur helps create a more favorable soil pH. Amend compacted soil with coarse organic matter such as cotton burr mulch or pine fines and keep roots cool and moist with a 2-3” layer of bark mulch.

Name	Form	HxW	Description
Constellation Cornus x rutgersensis	Rounded	20’x15’	White flowers in late spring. A vigorous growing type; low-branched and uniformly wide from base to top. Dark green leaves turn reddish purple in fall.
Cornelian Cherry Cornus mas	Oval to Rounded	20’x15’	Long-lasting yellow flowers in March. Edible, oblong bright red fruit in late summer. Good burgundy fall color and exfoliating bark provides four seasons of interest. Very shade tolerant.
Cornelian Cherry Golden Glory Cornus mas	Upright Oval	20’x10’	Narrower form than regular Cornus mas. Nice burgundy fall color. Great for tall screening. Very shade tolerant.
Florida Red Pygmy Cornus florida	Mounded	6’x4’	Dwarf. 3”, deep pink-red flowers in late spring. Red raspberry-like fruit, orange fall color. Best planted in a sheltered location, such as a courtyard, in moist, acidic, well-drained soil.
Giant Gray Lemon Drops Cornus drummondii	Rounded	20’x15’	Selected from a Midwest-native dogwood. Clusters of soft saffron yellow flowers in late spring are followed by clear yellow berries that contrast beautifully with the burgundy, red and orange fall leaves. Tolerates wet soil and part shade. Great for woodland settings.
Kousa Chinese Cornus kousa var. chinensis	Rounded	20’x15’	Creamy white flowers in late spring. Red raspberry-like fruit in summer. Reddish purple fall color.
Kousa Champion’s Gold Cornus kousa	Vase shaped	20’x20’	Multi-hued foliage is green in spring, with summer leaves turning bright yellow if exposed to sun, then changing to bright orange-red in fall. White flowers in late spring.
Kousa Heart Throb Cornus kousa	Rounded	15’x15’	Large-bracted flowers in late spring in varying shades of pink to rosy red. Red raspberry-like fruit. Reddish purple fall color.
Kousa Radiant Rose Cornus kousa	Rounded	15’x15’	Deep pink flowers often hold their color through July. Textured leaves, tinged with red, turn red in the fall. Spreading, arching habit.
Kousa Rosy Teacups Cornus kousa	Rounded	25’x25’	Vigorous and floriferous variety with 3”+ flower bracts in shades of pink to rosy red, darker towards edges. Dense, glossy dark green foliage turns reddish in fall. Orange-red, raspberry-like fruit. Low-branched form.
Kousa Wolf Eyes Cornus kousa	Rounded	10’x10’	Stunning white-edged foliage turns pink to red in fall. White flowers in late spring are followed by red fruit in summer. Provide partial shade to avoid leaf scorch.
Pagoda Cornus alternifolia	Rounded	20’x20’	Fragrant white flowers in spring are followed by black fruits in summer. Nice reddish purple fall color. Interesting horizontal branching. Shade tolerant.
Stellar Pink Cornus x rutgersensis	Vase	20’x20’	Beautiful soft pink flowers in late spring. Medium green summer foliage turns bright red in fall. Does not produce fruit. Attractive exfoliating bark adds winter interest. Narrow at base, wider at top.