Cornus florida var. 'Rubra'

Rubra Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus florida var. ‘Rubra’

Overview
A classic pink-flowering dogwood known for its soft rose-pink to deep pink bracts that appear in mid-spring along horizontal branches. Bloom color can vary slightly by plant and growing conditions. Rich green summer foliage transitions to red to burgundy fall color, followed by glossy red fruit. ‘Rubra’ provides traditional dogwood beauty with warm spring tones.

Size



Width: 20–30 ft



Height: 20–30 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–9b



Light



Partial shade preferred



Morning sun with afternoon shade ideal



Tolerates full sun in cooler climates with adequate moisture



Soil



Well-drained soils; prefers moist, organic-rich loam



Slightly acidic pH preferred



Avoid compacted or poorly drained sites



Attracts



Pollinators (spring flowers)



Birds (red fall fruit)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



Excellent understory or woodland-edge tree



Allow space for horizontal branching and natural canopy spread



Notes



Shape: Horizontal, layered branching with rounded canopy



Traditional pink form of the species



Flower color intensity improves with good light exposure



Excellent specimen tree for lawns, woodland gardens, and mixed borders



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or deadwood

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Orange, Red

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Horizontal Branching, Rounded, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No