Stiff dogwood (Cornus foemina)

Stiff dogwood

Also known as: Southern swamp dogwood

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Stiff dogwood (Cornus foemina)

Dogwoods, hydrangeas, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

3.5 m to 11 m

Plant Height

6 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Stiff dogwood

Attributes of Stiff dogwood

Growth Rate

With a moderate growth rate during spring and summer, stiff dogwood undergoes a substantial impact. During these seasons, the plant height increases steadily, exhibiting a fuller leaf canopy. The growth philosophy interprets an improved ability to produce floral and fruit structures. Mild seasonal variations exist in growth speed, yet they're negligibly impactful.

Culture

Symbolism

Charm, Finesse, Durability, I Admire Your Personality

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Quickly Identify Stiff dogwood

Smooth red twigs contrast with dark green foliage.

Elliptical to lanceolate leaves with red midvein.

Clusters of white flowers with unpleasant scent.

Blue-violet fleshy fruits in 1/4 inch diameter.

Gray bark with ridges and grooves on aged trunk.

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Care Guide for Stiff dogwood

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Stiff dogwood thrives in moist environments and requires consistent moisture, with a watering schedule of once every three weeks. It adapts to seasonal water fluctuations and can tolerate brief dryness, benefiting from natural irrigation during rainy seasons.

Fertilize: Fertilize stiff dogwood with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring for growth, using high-nitrogen types during the season. Apply every 4-6 weeks, and stop in fall. Choose granular or liquid forms, integrate into soil, and wash leaves after to prevent burn.

Pruning: Stiff dogwood features multi-stemmed growth with attractive white flowers. Prune in early spring, removing dead or crossing branches for airflow. Thinning older stems promotes new growth. Regular pruning ensures size control, health, and visual appeal, using clean, sharp tools for best practices.

Propagation: Stiff dogwood is a versatile native shrub ideal for naturalistic landscapes. Propagation involves direct sowing of seeds in prepared medium, spaced evenly for optimal germination. Consistent moisture and a stable environment are crucial due to stiff dogwood's seed dormancy, which results in variable germination times.

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