Skip to main content
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Tree

Varieties We Bring In

StandardCornus floridaAlternate LeafCornus floridaEmpress of ChinaCornus capitata
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$24.95
7 galFrom$94.95

Last received Jul 19, 2026.

We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.

Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.

LightPart Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size15-30 feet × 15-25 feet

Pet toxicity: not on file, check before planting where pets chew

Pet safety guide

About Flowering Dogwood

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is a native eastern US deciduous tree celebrated for its showy spring bracts, glossy red fall berries, and horizontal branching habit. UF/IFAS rates it only to zone 9a; in NE Florida zone 9b, summer heat and humidity greatly increase disease pressure (anthracnose, leaf scorch), making it a high-risk choice compared to more heat-tolerant alternatives.

Plant details

Bloom Season
Spring
Flower Color
White, Pink
Growth Rate
Moderate
Foliage
Deciduous
Soil
Loam, Acidic, Well-drained

Best planting months

Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL

Recommended months: January, February, March, October, November, December.

January, good window
February, good window
March, good window
April, other month
May, other month
June, other month
July, other month
August, other month
September, other month
October, good window
November, good window, this month
December, good window
This monthGood windowOther months

Seasonal care

Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.

Care essentials

Light

Plant in part sun to part shade; in NE Florida's heat, afternoon shade is essential. Avoid full-day sun, which stresses the tree and worsens disease susceptibility.

Water

Requires consistent moisture, especially during establishment and dry spells. Not drought-tolerant; water at the root zone and avoid overhead irrigation to reduce disease risk.

Soil & Fertilizer

Prefers slightly acidic, organically rich, well-drained loam. Amend NE Florida sandy soils with compost. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring; avoid over-fertilizing, which increases pest and disease issues.

Similar needs

You may also like

Common questions

Is Flowering Dogwood a good plant for St. Augustine?

Flowering Dogwood is a tree. Mature size: 15-30 feet × 15-25 feet. Light: Part Sun, Part Shade. Water needs: Moderate. Flowering Dogwood is native to Florida. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.

Care information verified from

Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.