The ‘Weavers White Dogwood’ (Cornus florida ‘Weaver’s White’) is a popular deciduous tree, known for its abundant white blooms and appealing form. It brings beauty to landscapes across multiple seasons and is a common choice for home gardeners due to its graceful presence and hardiness.
Distinguishing Features of Weavers White Dogwood
‘Weavers White Dogwood’ stands out with distinct characteristics. This cultivar typically reaches 20 to 30 feet in height and spread, forming a rounded, symmetrical canopy. Its growth habit often features a horizontal, tiered branching structure.
The most notable feature is its showy white bracts, appearing in mid-spring and often mistaken for petals. These bracts are larger than those of the species, subtending a small head of yellow true flowers.
Its deciduous foliage is green during the growing season, transforming into vibrant shades of red to maroon in the fall. The bark develops a warty, gray texture as the tree matures, providing visual appeal in winter. This cultivar is suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9A.
Planting and Cultivation
Site Selection and Soil Needs
The right location is fundamental for ‘Weavers White Dogwood’ health. It thrives in full sun to partial shade; in warmer climates, afternoon shade protects it from intense heat. This tree prefers deep, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Adequate air circulation around the tree is important to prevent disease.
Poorly drained or waterlogged soils can lead to root rot. While tolerant of various soil types including clay, loam, and sand, optimal growth occurs in conditions rich in organic matter. Avoiding hot, dry locations or areas with reflected sunlight, such as against a white wall, ensures the tree’s success.
Planting Process
Planting ensures a strong start. The planting hole should be dug twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep. This allows roots to spread easily and prevents the tree from being planted too deep.
When placing the tree, ensure the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, with the root flare visible. Backfill the hole with excavated soil, gently tamping to remove large air pockets. Water thoroughly immediately after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.
Watering and Fertilizing
Consistent watering is important, especially for young ‘Weavers White Dogwood’ trees during their first two years. Water deeply once a week, particularly during dry periods, to maintain consistently moist but not soggy soil. Young trees benefit from approximately 1 gallon of water per session to encourage deep root growth.
During active growth in spring and summer, regular watering is important; frequency can be reduced during fall and winter dormancy to prevent root rot. Fertilization should be done in early spring using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the tree; instead, consider an annual topdressing of organic matter like compost to naturally improve soil health.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning ‘Weavers White Dogwood’ is primarily for shaping, removing dead or diseased wood, and improving air circulation within the canopy. Routine pruning is often not necessary. The best time to prune is after the tree has finished flowering in late spring or early summer.
Removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches maintains the tree’s health and aesthetic form. Proper pruning cuts should be made cleanly, just outside the branch collar, to promote healing. Thinning out some branches can also enhance the tree’s naturally horizontal, tiered appearance.
Managing Pests and Diseases
‘Weavers White Dogwood’ can encounter common pests and diseases. Dogwood anthracnose, a fungal disease, can cause leaf spots and blight, especially in cool, wet spring or fall conditions. Keeping the tree healthy with regular irrigation during dry spells and avoiding overhead watering reduces infection risk.
Powdery mildew appears as a white coating on leaves, often in warm temperatures and high humidity, and can weaken the tree. Ensuring good air circulation and cleaning up fallen infected leaves manages its spread. Dogwood borer, an insect pest, can attack stressed trees, with symptoms including holes in the trunk and dieback; maintaining tree vigor through proper watering and fertilization deters borers. Spot anthracnose, another fungal issue, causes small, dark spots with reddish borders on bracts and leaves, particularly during wet weather; while unsightly, it usually does not severely harm the tree.
Integrating Weavers White Dogwood into Your Landscape
‘Weavers White Dogwood’ offers versatile landscape applications. Its moderate size makes it suitable as a specimen tree, a focal point with its spring blooms and striking fall foliage. It functions as an understory tree, mimicking its natural woodland habitat, or can be incorporated into mixed borders.
It pairs well with other acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons, creating a cohesive planting scheme. Its red berries in fall attract birds, adding wildlife appeal to the garden.