Cloud 9 Dogwood

The Dogwood, Cloud 9, Cornus florida 'Cloud 9', is a strong grower with light green foliage and produces distinctive, large overlapping petal-like blooms in April and May. It has dark green foliage in the summer, and scarlet red leaves in the fall with glossy red berries that persist into winter. These fruits are also a favorite of many birds as well as squirrels, rabbits and raccoons. Dogwood, Cloud 9 prefers a rich, deep, well-drained soil and is not recommended for heavy, wet soils. Dogwoods are somewhat susceptible to drought, so be sure that sufficient water is provided during dry periods. Grow in full sun to part shade, and Cloud 9 is perfect along the wood's edge, in combination with azaleas and rhododendrons, or as a small, specimen lawn tree.