Cornus canadensis

Most gardeners know Dogwoods as trees or shrubs, but this species produces short creeping plants that are delightful at the front of a shade garden. The familiar white, four-bracted flowers face upwards and are followed by edible red berries. A dependable northern native that prefers cool growing conditions and moist, slightly acidic soil.

A member of the Dogwood family, Cornus is one of the best-loved ornamental groups. The species are mostly shrubs or small trees that sport opposite leaves and often produce a showy bract that surrounds the true flower and adds greatly to its effect. For attractive color in winter, look to the stems of Cornus sanguinea or C. sericea.

We want our customers to receive strong, healthy plants that are ready to thrive in their gardens and homes. Here's what we'd like you to know about our shipping practices.

Delivery Timing

We aim to deliver your plants at as close to the proper time for planting in your area as possible. To do so, we consider the USDA Hardiness Zone to which we're shipping, current and forecasted weather at the destination and along the shipping route, and whether your plants are ready for transplant.

In spring, we ship first to the warmest regions and move north as planting conditions improve. For fall deliveries, we begin with the coolest regions and work south. We frequently adjust shipping schedules when extreme weather could put plants at risk while in transit or soon after arrival.

Because different plants reach readiness at different rates and are weather-sensitive in varying degree, a single order may be delivered via multiple shipments. Plants sold as part of a collection, or that are otherwise meant to arrive together, will be shipped together. Please contact our customer service team with two weeks' advance notice if you anticipate being away at the expected time of delivery. 

Tracking information for each package is delivered via email. 

Plant & Container Sizes

We deliver plants in various sizes and stages of growth, and the product detail pages of our website indicate the form and/or pot size in which the plant will be delivered. Pot sizes range from 1 pint to 1 gallon and larger. Many perennials, roses, shrubs and vines are delivered bareroot - that is, not in a container at all. Bulbs and tubers are generally delivered bareroot and fully dormant. We choose container sizes and delivery methods based on how each plant grows best, how we can minimize transplant shock, and how to minimize unnecessary bulk/weight in shipment. 

Caring for Your Plants Upon Arrival

It is important to acclimate greenhouse-grown plants to life outdoors. All plant shipments include simple instructions for handling your plants upon arrival. Further how-to information, including planting instructions, is available on each plant's product page.

Latin Name Pronunciation: kor'nuss

CULTURE: The Pagoda Dogwood (C. alternifolia) and Dogwoods with variegated leaves fare best in partial shade. Site Cornus canadensis in partial to full shade. For other Dogwoods, choose a site in full sun to part shade. Varieties grown for the color of their stems or autumn leaves will give their best performance in full sun. Grow Dogwoods in moderately rich, well-drained soil; they can take a soil that is evenly moist but not soggy. Cornus canadensis prefers cool growing conditions and moist, slightly acidic soil. Dogwoods seldom need fertilizing and have few insect or disease problems.

Space shrubs such as C. alternifolia, C. sanguinea, and C. sericea 3–5′ apart; they will become 5–9′ tall at maturity, depending on variety and pruning. Trees such as C. controversa, C. elliptica (aka C. angustata), C. florida, and C. kousa will grow from 10–30′ tall at maturity and should be spaced accordingly.

BAREROOT TREES AND SHRUBS

On arrival: Your bareroot tree or shrub has been stored in a temperature-controlled cooler, which simulates winter and keeps the plant dormant. Dormant plants are unaffected by cold weather and can be planted as soon as you are able to dig a hole in the ground. If you cannot plant immediately, your tree or shrub may be stored upright in its wrapping material in a cool, dark place such as a basement, garage, or unheated shed, for a week or so. Keep it away from direct sun.

PLANTING A BAREROOT TREE OR SHRUB: Select a spot in your garden that is sheltered from strong winds. When you’re ready to plant, unwrap your plant and remove the packing material.

• Soak the roots of your tree or shrub in a container of water for a couple hours to rehydrate them.
• Dig a hole wider than the spread of the roots and deep enough to accommodate them, allowing for adjustments.
• Use excavated soil to form a mound in the center of the hole.
• Set the plant on top of the mound, fanning its roots outward. Adjust the height of the mound by adding or removing soil until the plant is positioned so that the crown (where the roots meet the stem) is at the surrounding soil level. Roots should all be below grade when the hole is filled.
• Check from all sides to make sure that the trunk is perfectly upright, not leaning in any direction.
• Backfill the hole with soil about halfway and water well, allowing water to soak in and settle the soil. Re-check for upright trunk alignment. Then add remaining soil to the top of the hole, creating a little dam around the outer edge, and water again.
• It is best to stake a young tree for extra support until its trunk attains sturdy proportions. Choose a stake that has a diameter at least as large as the stem’s diameter and long enough that when pushed firmly into the soil, it reaches inside the branches of the tree. Fasten the trunk to the stake at several points with garden twine or soft ties, allowing for some movement. Check the ties periodically and loosen them if they constrict the outward growth of the stem or dig into the bark.

ESTABLISHING A BAREROOT TREE OR SHRUB:

• Do not fertilize when planting or for the first growing season.
• Because a bareroot plant is dormant, it cannot take up much water. Refrain from watering after the initial planting until your tree or shrub leafs out and begins actively growing, unless you are experiencing extreme drought conditions.
• Minimal pruning is needed until one or two growing seasons have passed, although any suckers or growth that sprouts from the trunk or rootstock should be promptly removed.
• Once the plant has broken dormancy and is actively growing, care for it as described (except for fertilizer recommendations, although compost and mulch are recommended).

PRUNING: Stems of C. alba, C. sanguinea, and C. sericea provide the best color in full sun (and will resprout vigorously) when cut to within 12″ of the ground every 2 to 3 years. Prune in late January to very early March in Zones 4–7, earlier further south, before the sap begins to rise. Pruning of other shrubs and trees consists of removing any dead or weak growth and shaping as needed, in early spring.

GROWTH: Growth rates for C. florida and C. alternifolia varieties are slow when first planted, then moderate once established. C. kousa is slower growing. Other Dogwoods may grow 25″ or more a year if conditions are good.

SUGGESTED USE: Plant shrubs and trees behind perennials, in a shrub border, along a roadside or by a pond. C. canadensis is lovely as a ground cover or in a wild flower garden.

SHOP ALL DOGWOOD

At White Flower Farm, we stand firmly behind every product we sell and are proud to offer a money-back guarantee on each and every item offered on our website and at our store in Connecticut. Some modest terms and conditions apply, click here for details.

Should you have any questions about how our guarantee applies to a particular product or circumstance, our customer service team will be happy to help – please contact us at (800) 411-6159 or [email protected].