Pagoda dogwood does not require much maintenance other than working compost into the soil for fertilization, with also helps the soil retain water. Also apply a wide circle of mulch around the shrub, both to retain soil moisture and to prevent you from getting too close when mowing and damaging the trunks, which can lead to insect damage.
Light
Pagoda dogwood generally prefers dappled shade conditions that mimic the understory conditions under large trees. In warmer regions, it appreciates more shade; in colder regions, more sun may be preferable.
Soil
This tree likes loamy soil that is relatively moist but well-drained. It prefers an acidic pH.
Water
Pagoda dogwood should be watered weekly when there is no rain; it requires about 1 inch of soil per week.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant likes moderately cool summer temperatures and humidity levels. In hot climates, you may need to provide shade and make sure the soil is mulched to keep it cool.
Fertilizer
Pagoda dogwood does not require feeding; mulching over the root zone provides sufficient nutrients. Or, compost can be worked into the top few inches of soil beneath the tree each spring.
Types of Pagoda Dogwood
In addition to the straight species (the plant as you would find it in the wild), there are two cultivars of pagoda dogwood:
C. alternifolia ‘Golden Shadows’ is a trademarked cultivar with green and gold variegated leaves. It grows 10 to 12 feet tall with a similar spread.C. alternifolia ‘Argentea’ is known as silver pagoda dogwood. It is also variegated, but with white leaf margins that give a silvery effect. It grows 12 to 15 feet wide with a spread of 10 to 20 feet.
Pruning
Pruning is optional, but if you do prune (some people may wish to trim a little here and a little there to modify the shape slightly), do your pruning in late winter.
Propagating Pagoda Dogwood
Like other dogwood species, pagoda dogwood is best propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them. Note, however, that propagating the popular cultivar ‘Golden Shadows’ by any method is prohibited because it is trademarked.
How to Grow Pagoda Dogwood From Seed
If you want to collect seeds from a pagoda dogwood for propagation, make sure it is the straight species. Variegated cultivars cannot be reproduced true to type from seed.
Potting and Repotting Pagoda Dogwood
Pagoda dogwood is not a good choice for container growing. In addition to its considerable height and spread, its fibrous, spreading root system needs space. The root zone has to be kept cool, which is very difficult to do for a container plant during the summer.
Overwintering
As a native plant, pagoda dogwood is well adapted to the conditions in its climate range and does not need any overwintering protection.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Dogwoods are prone to leaf spot, twig and leaf blights, root rot, and canker. Occasional insect pests include scale, leaf miner, and borers. Dogwoods are most susceptible to insect infestation when the lower trunks get wounded by lawn mowers or weed trimmers, so take care to avoid damaging the bark.
How to Get Pagoda Dogwood to Bloom
A lack of flowers, or poor flowering, might be due to excess nitrogen (often the cause when it’s planted in the center of a lawn). Other causes can be lack of water, or just the opposite, poor drainage if it is planted in the wrong type of soil. The latter can be corrected by working organic matter into the soil to improve drainage.
Common Problems With Pagoda Dogwood
Various types of birds eat the berries of pagoda dogwood (including the ruffed grouse), as does the black bear. This appeal to wildlife also extends to deer and rabbits, which can badly damage the bark and branches of dogwood. Young trees are especially susceptible and may need to be protected with fences if rabbits or deer are a problem.
