Troubleshooting
Flowering Dogwood problems — and how to fix them
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Dogwood anthracnose
A serious fungal disease causing leaf spots, twig dieback, and trunk cankers, worst in cool wet springs and shade. Choose resistant cultivars, improve airflow, and remove infected wood.
Powdery mildew
Common on the foliage in humid summers, leaving a white film and sometimes scorched leaf margins. Site in good air movement and use resistant selections.
Drought and heat stress
Shallow roots make it quick to scorch and drop leaves in dry, sunny, exposed sites. Mulch, water in drought, and avoid hot full-sun positions.
Dogwood borer
Borers attack stressed or wounded trunks, causing dieback. Avoid bark injury from mowers and string trimmers and keep the tree healthy and well-watered.
Prevent flowering dogwood problems before they start
Most flowering dogwood issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for flowering dogwood in general rather than its problems? Read the full flowering dogwood care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Flowering Dogwood problems — FAQ
Why is my flowering dogwood dogwood anthracnose?
A serious fungal disease causing leaf spots, twig dieback, and trunk cankers, worst in cool wet springs and shade. Choose resistant cultivars, improve airflow, and remove infected wood.
Why is my flowering dogwood powdery mildew?
Common on the foliage in humid summers, leaving a white film and sometimes scorched leaf margins. Site in good air movement and use resistant selections.
Why is my flowering dogwood drought and heat stress?
Shallow roots make it quick to scorch and drop leaves in dry, sunny, exposed sites. Mulch, water in drought, and avoid hot full-sun positions.
Why is my flowering dogwood dogwood borer?
Borers attack stressed or wounded trunks, causing dieback. Avoid bark injury from mowers and string trimmers and keep the tree healthy and well-watered.