Is any season more uplifting than spring, when so many things begin to bloom? Among the  favorite early bloomers in the Columbus Park of Roses (CPOR) are the dogwoods. Our dogwood collection includes five species, two of which are native to Ohio. Others are native to Central and Southern Europe, and Asia.

Dogwood (Cornus) is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae. The various dogwood species include both trees and shrubs.

Most dogwood trees and shrubs are considered understory trees. They thrive in part shade, but some varieties also benefit from full sun. They like rich, damp but well-draining soil that’s slightly acidic. Dogwoods need to be watered deeply in high heat, especially if they are in full sun.

The first dogwoods to bloom in the CPOR are the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) and the Japanese Cornel Dogwood (Cornus officials ‘Kintoki’). These have bright yellow blooms now, in early March, which is earlier than usual. The Cornus mas is a large, multi-stemmed shrub; one is located on the south side of the garden across from the Shelterhouse. The Cornus officials is a small tree found in both in the Backyard Garden and the Heritage Rose Garden area.

The CPOR has twelve varieties of Kousa Dogwoods. The ‘Milky Way’ is a mature tree on the south side of the Herb Garden and can’t be missed when in full bloom with its beautiful white flowers or when it  produces its fruits.

         

Several other Kousas are located close to one another north of the Herb Garden and east of the Wedding Mall. Among them is the beautiful red-flowered ‘Scarlet Fire.’

The Pagoda Dogwood (Corpus alternfoli), native to Ohio, is beloved by birds for the berries that develop in late spring after blooming. Once ripe, the berries disappear quickly as the birds keep track of when they are ready to harvest. The Pagoda Dogwood is considered a large shrub or small tree; one is located north of the West Entrance.

The Redoiser Dogwoods (Corns sericea) are native shrubs and also a good food source for birds. The CPOR has two cultivars of these shrubs: one with red twigs and one with yellow. The red-twigged ‘Bailey’ is northwest of the fountain, and the yellow-twigged ‘Silver and Gold’ is in the Backyard Garden. Both of these have white flowers in spring and colorful stems in winter.

A self-guided tour of the CPOR dogwood collection is available on our website at the bottom of the “Gardens” page. You can view photos and descriptions on the linked document from your smart phone. For locations, consult the map in free brochures located in dispensers on garden kiosks.