Cornus florida Welchii

Welchii Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus florida ‘Welchii’

Overview
A distinctive variegated flowering dogwood prized for its cream and white-marbled foliage accented with soft pink tones, especially in spring and fall. Mid-spring blooms feature soft pink bracts, creating a gentle layered display. Summer foliage remains attractively variegated, transitioning to rose, red, and burgundy hues in fall, followed by glossy red fruit. ‘Welchii’ offers refined, season-long color interest.

Size



Width: 15–20 ft



Height: 15–20 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–9b



Light



Partial shade preferred



Morning sun with afternoon shade ideal



Protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch



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



Variegated foliage adds brightness throughout the season



Slower growing than many green-leaved selections



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



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or deadwood

Height

15-20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Pale Pink

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Purple, Red

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Shape

Horizontal Branching, Rounded

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No