Cornus Spring Grove™ is a native understory tree offering year-round interest, grown for its lovely architecture, heavy flowering and fruiting, and fall color. Extremely floriferous, this small tree puts on a spectacular show in spring, flowering before the foliage emerges. Terminal branches frequently bear 2 or 3 floral buds that open to large, 5-inch, white flower bracts. Clusters of glossy, red fruits (drupes) follow in mid to late summer. The flowers are a food source for bees and butterflies, and the fruits sustain many species of songbirds and wildlife throughout fall and winter. Its canopy of medium green leaves turns attractive shades of reddish-purple in fall.
A Cornus florida species, Spring Grove has a compact, broader than tall habit of gracefully tiered, horizontal branching. The tree's growth rate is medium to vigorous but can be slow upon transplanting. Its parent plant originated as a seedling at Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, OH. Today, at approximately 45 years of age, that tree has grown to a height of 22 feet with a width of 32 feet. In optimal conditions, dogwood trees can live 100 to 200 years, so careful placement is important. Dogwoods are great specimen, shade, and patio trees, but they are especially eye-catching in group plantings.
Spring Grove grows best in partly sunny to shady locations with organic, moist, well-draining soil having an acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It has better than usual heat tolerance and cold hardiness, having survived winter temperatures as low as -26°F with no damage. And its resistance to Anthracnose disease is excellent. Dogwoods generally tolerate shade but do not fare well in pollution, flooding, or drought. Consistent moisture is important. Adding mulch around the tree's base will help keep roots moist and cool in summer.
A native tree, Spring Grove is indigenous to North America, from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Oklahoma and Texas. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.
