Cornus (Rutban) Celestial

Celestial Dogwood

Cornus (Rutban) ‘Celestial’ — commonly sold as Celestial® Dogwood — is a standout Rutgers hybrid dogwood prized for its large, luminous white bracts, strong disease resistance, and reliable four-season appeal. It combines the classic beauty of flowering dogwoods with the toughness needed for modern landscapes.


Plant Profile
Type: Deciduous flowering tree

Mature Size:



Width: 20–25 ft



Height: 25–30 ft



Bloom:



Large, overlapping pure white bracts



Blooms in late spring



Flowers are thicker and more durable than native dogwoods



Foliage:



Medium green through summer



Turns deep red to burgundy in fall



Fruit:



Small red berries in late summer to fall



Attractive to birds



Zones: 5a–8b
Light: Full sun to partial shade (morning sun with afternoon shade preferred)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture


Features & Uses


Form: Upright to rounded canopy with strong horizontal branching



Excellent specimen tree for lawns, entryways, and woodland edges



Part of the Stellar® / Rutgers hybrid series



Improved resistance to



Dogwood anthracnose



Powdery mildew





More heat tolerant and stress resistant than native flowering dogwood



Strong wildlife value (birds, pollinators)




Care Notes


Minimal pruning; remove dead or crossing branches only



Mulch to keep roots cool and soil evenly moist



Avoid extremely hot, dry, exposed sites for best long-term performance

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20'

Width

20'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No