White Dogwood

White Dogwood - An Easy Guide to Growing & Caring

A white dogwood tree is a flowering shrub that grows to about 30 feet tall. Its flowers bloom in the spring, and small red berries develop later in the summer.

How Do You Take Care of a White Dogwood Tree?

Caring for your white dogwood tree is pretty straightforward. The plant does best in full sun and well-drained soil. It thrives in zones 5-8. Water regularly, especially in hot, dry weather, to a depth of 6 inches (15 cm) once a week, particularly during the establishment phase. Prune carefully, removing dead branches in summer and for aesthetic purposes in late fall.

How Much Sunlight Can a White Dogwood Tree Yake?

White dogwoods can take full sun to partial shade. They do best in a location where they receive either morning or afternoon sun. When planted in areas with a lot of sunlight, consider adding some shading options like natural or artificial structures to help growth and appearance.

Do White Dogwood Trees Come Back Every Year?

Yes. White Dogwood is a deciduous tree that loses its leaves in the winter, sprouts new leaves in spring, and flowers during the blooming season. These trees have a lifespan of up to 80 years, which makes them a long-term addition to your garden.

What Does a White Dogwood Tree Look Like?

The white dogwood is a beautiful flowering tree with a tall, straight trunk and graceful branches. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with fragrant and white flowers. Transitioning into fall, the leaves become reddish-purple, scarlet, and burgundy, which produces a unique contrast against other greenery. In winter, the tree's unique shape with a flat crown and horizontally layered branches collect snow creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. The white dogwood has ecological significance as its red berries which form in late summer and last till winter serve as food for various birds and wildlife.

Where Does a White Dogwood Tree Grow?

White dogwoods grow in a wide range of soils, from acidic to alkaline. They prefer neutral or slightly acidic soils, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.0.  These trees prefer partial shade, with several hours of sunlight daily, but they can also tolerate full sun areas with additional care. 

Are White Dogwood Trees Toxic?

White dogwood trees are entirely non-toxic and are safe to be around when planted in your yard. The berries are not poisonous but are inedible and can cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed in excess.

How Do You Grow a White Dogwood Tree?

White dogwoods can be grown in pots, but it is advisable to plant them in well-drained soil. When planting, make sure the roots sit about two-thirds underground and keep the soil around loose soil for proper drainage and root growth. Mulching around the tree helps combat weeds and retain moisture. 

How Do You Care for a White Dogwood Tree?

White dogwood trees need at least 1 inch of water per week. They also require full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning is recommended once the tree is at least two years old because it will inhibit growth. Meantime, remember to fertilize them.

How Did White Dogwood Trees Get Their Name?

The name "dogwood" has different origin stories. The most common theory says that it comes from the old English term "dagwood," possibly due to the use of its hard wood for making "dags" (daggers, skewers, and arrows). Skewers used to be called 'dags' or 'dogs', so the name means 'skewer wood'.

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