The Name of My Favorite Plant
My favorite plant is the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida).
How I First Found Out About This Plant
I saw several flowering dogwood trees at other people's houses when I moved into my neighborhood, and I decided, "I have to have one of those!"
How I Have Cared for This Plant
Because I planted it under a large pine tree (with which it competes for water), I make sure to irrigate well in the summer. I have not fertilized my flowering dogwood much.
Pests, Diseases or Other Problems for This Plant
The tree doesn't bloom profusely every year, for me.
Why I Love This Plant So Much
Flowers, berries and colorful fall leaves make flowering dogwood a "triple threat" and a must-have in the yard. Flowering dogwood is a spring-flowering tree that comes in different colors, but I like the ones with pink flowers. Even after the colorful autumn leaves fall, the bare branches in winter have a certain charm on older specimens.
Location: My Region, Location of the Plant in My Yard
I live in southern Maine (U.S.), which can receive quite a bit of rain in spring and fall; sub-zero temperatures in winter are not unheard of. Since flowering dogwood is an understory plant in the wild, I planted it in a shady location. The soil is on the sandy side.
Tips and Tricks
- Prune immediately after it is done blooming.
- Besides this dogwood tree, I also have a Japanese dogwood in my yard. The Japanese dogwood blooms later in the year, so having the two of them extends the blooming period for me.
