Can You Plant Dogwood Trees Together for Different Colors?

Dogwood trees are a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers alike. Known for their beautiful flowers and attractive foliage, dogwoods can add color and texture to any yard or garden. But did you know that you can plant different varieties of dogwood trees together to create unique and stunning color combinations? In this article, we'll explore the idea of planting dogwood trees together for different colors.

Understanding Dogwood Varieties

Before we dive into the idea of planting dogwoods for different colors, it's important to understand the different varieties of dogwood trees that are available. There are four main types of dogwood trees:

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa)

Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)

Red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Each variety of dogwood tree has its own unique features, such as flower color, shape, and size. Kousa dogwoods, for example, have smaller flowers than flowering dogwoods and bloom later in the season. Pacific dogwoods are native to the Pacific Northwest and have distinct white flowers with yellow centers. Red twig dogwoods are known for their bright red stems in the winter.

Planting Dogwoods for Color Variation

Now that we've covered the different types of dogwood trees, let's explore the idea of planting them together for different colors. The key to success when planting multiple dogwoods is to choose varieties that have different bloom times and colors. This will ensure that you have a variety of colors throughout the growing season.

For example, you could plant a white flowering dogwood next to a pink flowering dogwood. This would create a beautiful contrast of white and pink flowers in the spring. You could also plant a kousa dogwood next to a flowering dogwood. The kousa dogwood would bloom later in the season, extending the color in the garden. Another option is to plant a pacific dogwood next to a red twig dogwood. This would create a stunning contrast of white flowers against the bright red stems in the winter.

Care Tips for Multiple Dogwood Trees

Planting multiple dogwood trees is a great way to add variety and color to your garden or yard. However, there are a few care tips that you should keep in mind to ensure that your trees thrive:

Make sure the trees are planted in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.

Water the trees deeply and frequently during the first year, especially during hot and dry weather.

Fertilize the trees in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.

Prune the trees in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your dogwood trees will grow and thrive, providing you with beautiful color and texture throughout the growing season.

Conclusion

Planting dogwood trees together for color variation is a great way to add interest and beauty to your garden or yard. By selecting a variety of dogwood trees with different bloom times and colors, you can create stunning color combinations that will last throughout the growing season. Be sure to follow the care tips outlined above to ensure that your trees thrive and continue to provide you with beauty and color for years to come.