Tree
Flowering Dogwood
Cornus florida
Varieties We Carry
StandardCornus floridaAlternate LeafCornus floridaEmpress of ChinaCornus capitata
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$24.95
7 galFrom$94.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightPart Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size15-30 feet × 15-25 feet
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. Starting at $24.95.
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
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
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.
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Common questions
Is Flowering Dogwood a good plant for St. Augustine?
Flowering Dogwood is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 15-30 feet × 15-25 feet.
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.