How to Plant White Flowering Dogwood

The white flowering dogwood, also know as Cornus Florida, has large white flowers in the spring and red berries in the fall and winter. The stems are brownish red in color. This outdoor plant likes partial shade to full sun and well-drained acidic soil to flourish. Planting a white flowering dogwood tree is easy and anyone can do it with a little effort and the right materials.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You’ll Need

• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow
• Mulch
• Water

1. Dig a hole in the ground with a shovel that is twice the width of the root ball of the flowering dogwood tree and one foot deeper. Place the soil you dug up in a wheel barrow so it will be easy to transport when you need to fill up the hole later. Scrape your shovel against the sides of the hole to loosen up the soil, which will make it easier for the plant to absorb water.
2. Place the plant in the hole and the upper part of the root ball should be poking out an inch above the ground. If it is not, add some soil until it is.
3. Straighten out the tree and make sure it stands up evenly in the hole and is not crooked. Separate the roots with your hands, which will help it get water.
4. Add a small amount of water to the soil as you are filling the hole up with dirt to help eliminate air pockets.
5. Give the plant plenty of water after you have filled up the hole. Make sure the soil is damp, but not soggy. There should not be standing water. Supply your plant with water regularly and only water if the soil is slightly dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch, such as wood chips or pine needles, to the base of the tree without touching it. This will help keep the soil moist and protect it during winter months.

• The plant may need more water in the summer months; check the soil at least once per week.