Flowering Dogwood Tree 

Flowering Dogwood makes an outstanding specimen in the landscape. In the wild it is found on slightly acidic, moist but well drained soil as an under-story plant in sheltered forested sites. In the spring when it flowers, it is easily recognized by the appearance of 4 large, flower-like snow white bracts (which are actually modified leaves rather than flower petals). A small tree growing between 3-10 m in height, Flowering Dogwood is native to southern Ontario and is listed as an endangered specie in the wild. Reliably hardy to Zone 6 – it will most likely struggle in Zone 5 without winter protection. For many native and perennial plants, late fall is the best time to sow seed directly outside. Why you ask? Simply put, many of these plants produce seed that is viable but dormant. This means allowing seeds to naturally stratify over winter will “wake up” the dormant seed for best results.

How to Grow

Stratification of tree seed occurs naturally outdoors through the winter. Sowing tree seeds outdoors in the fall takes advantage of this natural effect. To stratify indoors, mix the seed with a moistened, sterile, peat based growing medium in a container, wrap in a ventilated bag, and place it in a refrigerator for 12 to 20 weeks. In the spring plant the seed in a sheltered spot outside to grow into seedlings. Transplant to permanent site when well rooted.

Approx. 10 seeds/pkt