TREE OF THE MONTH Photos provided by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.
Trade Name: Stellar Pink®
By Len Phillips , ASLA Emeritus Stellar Series Dogwood
Botanical Name: Cornus 'Rutgan' Parentage: Developed at Rutgers from C. florida x C. kousa by Dr. Elwin Orton Year of Introduction: 1985 Plant Patent: # 7207 Height: 25 feet Spread: 25 feet, taller than wide, branching low to the ground Flower: Slightly overlapping light-pink bracts, heavy bloom, male, very dense on mature trees, lighter pink than the very popular C. florida rubra Fruit: None – sterile Foliage: Good in summer Spring Color: Bloom lasts for 6 weeks Summer Foliage: Dark green all summer Autumn Foliage: Bright-red autumn color Winter Color: Gray-brown bark and twigs Bark: Similar to C. florida Habitat: New England to Florida, west to Texas and Mexico Culture: Well-drained soil, acidic, partial shade is preferred Hardiness Zone*: 4 – 8 Growth Rate: Full size in less than 30 years, more vigorous than parents
30 Arbor Age / May/June 2011
Pest Resistance: Good anthracnose and powdery mildew resistance
Storm Resistance: Good Salt Resistance: Does not tolerate heavy pollution and road salt
Planting: Transplant B & B or container Pruning: Prune at planting and 3 years later to mature form Propagating: Budding, grafting, softwood cuttings in summer Design Uses: Excellent where a flowering tree is needed Companions: Mulch works best for all dogwoods, excellent in groves with Nyssa, Ostrya, Oxydendrum, and Hydrangea Site Requirements: Typical of the genus, sunny site Other Comments: Very popular, an excellent substitute to C. florida Available From: Most nurseries
* For information about the USDA Hardiness Zone Map, visit www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/index.html
These are the personal observations of the author, living in New England — Zone 5b. Len Phillips can be reached via email at lenphillips@on-line-seminars.com.
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