Water
Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Maintain consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Deep watering encourages strong root development. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Also known as Table Dogwood · Wedding Cake Tree
Cornus controversa, the Giant Dogwood, is a large, deciduous tree known for its striking horizontal branching pattern and creamy white flowers in late spring.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Moderate
50% intensity
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Protect young trees from intense afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry spells. Allow the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between waterings.
Well-drained, loamy, acidic to neutral
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Protect from extreme heat and frost. Adapts well to a range of moderate temperatures.
Low
25% intensity
Benefit from a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing; a yearly application is usually sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Maintain consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging. Deep watering encourages strong root development. Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.
Prune to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Shape the tree for aesthetic appeal and to improve air circulation. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before bud break.
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or by grafting in late winter. Seeds can be sown in autumn, but germination can be slow and erratic. Layering is another viable method.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years in spring. Mature trees generally do not require frequent repotting. Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Giant Dogwood (Cornus controversa)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Species | Cornus controversa |
Similar in genus Cornus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
