stellar pink dogwood

Growing and Caring for Stellar Pink Dogwood: A Guide for Gardeners

Lifestyle

Stellar pink dogwood trees are a beautiful addition to any landscape with their stunning pastel pink flowers that bloom for two to four weeks every spring. These trees are also great for the rest of the year, with their green foliage turning purplish in the fall and reddish berries that attract butterflies and birds. In this article, we’ll discuss how to successfully grow and care for stellar pink dogwood trees, including information on care, types, pruning, propagating, growing from seed, overwintering, common pests, and diseases.

Care

When planting a stellar pink dogwood tree, it’s important to choose a spot that receives partial sunlight and has well-drained, acidic soil. While these trees are not heavy feeders, they will perform best in moderately fertile ground. Apply a few inches of mulch during the hottest part of summer to help protect the tree’s root system and retain water.

Types

While Cornus florida f. rubra is a popular type of pink dogwood, there are other varieties worth considering. For example, Cornus kousa Satomi is a form of pink Japanese dogwood, and other cultivars and species have their own unique merits.

Pruning

Since stellar pink dogwood trees are valued for their horizontal branching patterns, pruning should be kept to a minimum. Prune away storm-damaged limbs that mar the plant’s appearance, and if you notice limbs rubbing against each other, prune to open up the canopy in late winter or early spring.

Propagating

While it’s tough to source seeds for pink dogwood since they are a cultivar from white dogwood trees, it is possible to propagate them through cuttings. Taking cuttings in early June is the best time to ensure the cutting will grow roots.

Growing From Seed

While it is possible to grow dogwood trees from seed, the odds are low that they will result in pink dogwood flowers. The best way to ensure pink dogwood for your landscape is to propagate cuttings from an existing dogwood tree.

Overwintering

Once a stellar pink dogwood tree is established in the landscape and has growing leaves, it can handle winter as long as it’s in the proper zones for growth. Help it along with thick mulch around the base.

Common Pests and Diseases

Spot anthracnose disease can be a problem for flowering dogwood, including the stellar pink variety. Some cultivars are more tolerant of it than others, so be sure to ask your local county extension office for recommendations on which cultivars to plant in your region or how to treat the disease if your dogwood already has it. Powdery mildew is another common problem for flowering dogwood.

In conclusion, stellar pink dogwood trees are a stunning addition to any landscape. With the proper care and attention, you can successfully grow and care for these beautiful trees. Whether you choose to propagate them through cuttings or grow them from seed, you’ll be rewarded with their lovely pastel pink blooms every spring.

Related Posts