Why plant USDA Organic Appalachian Spring Dogwood?
You’ll get your money’s worth with an Appalachian Spring Flowering Dogwood! No other tree offers so much—gorgeous flowers, long-lasting fall color, an elegant outline, interesting bark, not to mention nectar for pollinators and fruit for songbirds. To top it off, this selection boasts better resistance to the dreaded Dogwood anthracnose disease than any Flowering Dogwood sold today. Plant Appalachian Spring outside your picture window, where you can watch its parade of colors throughout the year and be entertained by the flocks of birds in fall and winter that will applaud your fine choice. One of the best all-around flowering trees you can buy.
Appalachian Spring Dogwood is a true survivor. When Dogwood anthracnose spread to Maryland in the 1980s, some local populations were nearly wiped out. Trees in moist, shady understories were hit the hardest, and one of these unfortunate areas was on Catoctin Mountain near the Presidential Camp David Retreat. By 1990, most Dogwoods there had died of the disease, but one remained. That tree was Appalachian Spring. Researchers at the University of Tennessee propagated it and did further testing to ensure that it really was resistant to the disease that had struck down so many others. It was, and Appalachian Spring was introduced to the trade in 1998.
How to use USDA Organic Appalachian Spring Dogwood in the landscape?
Appalachian Spring Dogwood can be picked out of a crowd by its relatively large leaves—about a third bigger than those of most Flowering Dogwoods. Otherwise, this tree looks just like others of its kind. Its snow-white flower bracts are typical of the species, and its foliage turns red like that of most other Dogwoods. The attribute that sets this tree apart from the rest—its natural resistance to anthracnose—isn’t obvious, but it’s what makes this tree truly extraordinary.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zones: 5-9
How To Plant USDA Organic Appalachian Spring Dogwood
Plant Appalachian Spring Dogwood in sun or light shade, preferably in an area with good air circulation. This tree tolerates clay and prefers an acid soil like that found in much of the Eastern U.S. Although Appalachian Spring is highly resistant to anthracnose, it is rather susceptible to a less serious disease called powdery mildew. Except in severe cases, this is usually no more than a cosmetic problem and will be worse in some years and better in others due to weather. The most effective and environmentally friendly prevention is proper care and feeding. High nitrogen fertilizers and overhead watering contribute most directly to the problem. Both of these can be avoided by using the well-balanced Bower & Branch™ Fertilizer and Soil Enhancer and our easy-to-use Water Element.
How To Water
Water regularly after initial planting. Once established, they are more tolerant of drought conditions, reducing your hand-watering responsibilities.
How To Fertilize
Dogwoods like fertilizer! During fall, feed your Dogwood Bower & Branch Elements Fertilizer once a year for about the first 3 or 4 years - this will give your tree all the nutrients it needs.
How To Prune
Dogwoods should be pruned so that dead branches and twigs that may be diseased can be removed. Do not compost any disease branches, dispose of them appropriately in the garbage.