Cornus 'Rutban' or 'Aurora'

Aurora Dogwood

Cornus ‘Rutban’ (Aurora® Dogwood) is a refined hybrid dogwood prized for its large, creamy-white bracts, excellent disease resistance, and reliable four-season interest. A Rutgers University introduction, it combines the elegance of flowering dogwoods with improved tolerance to common problems.


Plant Profile
Type: Deciduous flowering tree

Mature Size:



Width: 20–25 ft



Height: 25–30 ft



Bloom:



Showy creamy-white bracts surrounding small true flowers



Late spring



Foliage:



Medium green through summer



Red to burgundy fall color



Fruit:



Small red berries attractive to birds (late summer to fall)



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


Features & Uses


Form: Upright to rounded canopy with layered branching



Excellent as a specimen tree, for lawns, woodland edges, and mixed borders



Improved resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew



Strong wildlife value (birds, pollinators)



Reliable flowering even in challenging dogwood sites




Care Notes


Minimal pruning; prune only to remove dead or crossing branches



Mulch to keep roots cool and soil evenly moist



Avoid hot, dry, exposed sites for best performance

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

25-30'

Width

20-25'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No