Stiff dogwood (Cornus foemina) is a flowering shrub that prefers exceedingly moist soil but is known to adapt to drier habitats. Stiff dogwood flowers are not very pleasant smelling. It thrives best in six or more hours of full sun each day. It grows up to 4.5 m high.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Cornus foemina is a species of flowering plant in the Cornaceae known by the common names stiff dogwood and swamp dogwood. It is native to parts of the eastern and southeastern United States.
Blooming for 2-3 weeks in mid-spring to early summer, small, bright white flowers borne in flat-topped clusters appear at the tips of the branches. Unpleasantly fragrant, they attract long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, and butterflies. The blossoms give way to attractive clusters of bright blue berries in summer and fall, greedily devoured by birds and small mammals.
The leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), are opposite, mostly lance-shaped, and medium to dark green. The summer foliage may turn reddish-purple in fall. The bark of the trunk and larger branches is gray, while the smaller branches are brown and smooth. The young twigs are hairless and red, becoming dark reddish brown with age. Adaptable to sun or shade, Swamp
Dogwood is a fine choice for moist woodlands, shrub borders, naturalized areas, and along streams and ponds. It can be found growing in the wild in swamps, streambanks, marshes, and upland locations.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Stiff dogwood prefers full sun and can grow in a slightly shaded environment. It needs 4-6 hours of sunlight per day; if it does not get enough sun, the plant will grow poorly, the branches will become lighter in color, and the number of flowers and fruit will be fewer.
Temperature
Stiff dogwood is widely distributed in temperate and subtropical regions and prefers cool, moist environments. It is cold hardy, tolerating temperatures as low as -20 ℃, but fears heat. Stiff dogwood is drought-tolerant and requires little water. However, it is necessary to ensure a basic water supply in hot summers.
Watering
Stiff dogwood thrives in moist environments, indicative of its origins in wetland areas. This species has a high tolerance for humidity and requires consistent moisture to maintain its health. The watering schedule for stiff dogwood should adhere to once every three weeks, ensuring the soil remains damp but not waterlogged. As an outdoor plant often found near streams or ponds, stiff dogwood is well-adapted to seasonal fluctuations in water availability and can tolerate brief periods of dryness. Emphasizing its adaptability, during rainy seasons, stiff dogwood’s growth cycle benefits from the natural irrigation provided by frequent downpours.
Soil
Stiff dogwood is very adaptable, but prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. If the soil is poorly drained, improve it by mixing in some sand. It grows best in neutral or slightly acidic soil with a suitable pH of 5.5-6.6.
Fertilizing
Fertilize stiff dogwood with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring to support vigorous growth. During the growing season, a high-nitrogen fertilizer can enhance leaf production. Apply every 4-6 weeks, following package instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage stiff dogwood. Lighter, more frequent feeding is preferable to heavy applications. In fall, cease fertilization to allow stiff dogwood to harden off for winter. Use granular or liquid forms, ensuring thorough soil integration or water dilution. Wash foliage after application to prevent burn.
Planting Instructions
You can transplant stiff dogwood from a pot into a garden anytime throughout the year. If you plan to transplant a seedling with bare roots, do it at the end of fall or early spring to avoid the frost. When transplanting, the planting hole should be wide enough to allow room for the roots to grow. Plant at a depth of two-thirds of the soil ball, so the covered soil is slightly above the ground, which helps drainage. Water the soil well to keep it moist after planting. You can also cover the soil surface with mulch to reduce water evaporation and keep the soil cool.
Pruning
Stiff dogwood does not require much pruning. You need only to cut off dead, injured branches and any parts infected with pests and disease. Prune stiff dogwood in late fall and winter. If you prune it in spring or summer, the plant is in its growing season and the wounds will shed a lot of sap; in late fall and winter, stiff dogwood enters dormancy and will not do that.
Propagation
Stiff dogwood primarily propagates through cutting and layering methods during autumn and winter. Propagation may be moderately challenging, but successful rooting is indicated by new foliage growth. Ensure well-draining soil and provide adequate moisture.
Transplanting
The perfect time to move stiff dogwood is during the S1-S2 season, also known as the dormant period, to minimize stress and enhance root development. This tree flourishes best in part-shade to full-sun locales. Remember, slow and steady watering post-transplant ensures a healthy adaptation!