Most dogwood species treat us to beautiful white blooms, though you’ll occasionally spot some varieties showing off pink or yellow flowers. While the colors might vary depending on the species, their blooming schedules are actually pretty similar across the board.
All About Dogwood Blossoms
Dogwood blossoms come in a few different looks depending on the variety you’ve planted. While white is definitely the most common color you’ll see in neighborhood gardens, each species has its own unique charm.
When Do Dogwoods Bloom?
For most dogwoods, the big show happens in late spring and early summer—usually around May and June. This includes the common Red Osier dogwood (*Cornus sanguinea*) as well as the stunning “flowering dogwoods” we all love, like the Japanese Dogwood (*Cornus kousa*) and our very own American Flowering Dogwood (*Cornus florida*).
However, if you want to stretch out the season, there are a few outliers that march to the beat of their own drum:
- Early bloomers
- Late bloomers
The Early Birds
If you’re looking for some late-winter color, the Cornelian Cherry (*Cornus mas*) and the Japanese Cornelian Cherry (*Cornus officinalis*) are your best friends. These guys are eager to get started, opening their bright yellow flowers in March and April—often before their leaves even start to bud!
The Late Bloomers
On the flip side, we have the late bloomers like the Giant or Pagoda Dogwood. These beauties take their time and don’t usually start flowering until the heat of summer hits in June or July.
Patience is Key: Why Your Dogwood Might Not Be Blooming Yet
Are you staring at your dogwood wondering where the flowers are? If your plant isn’t blooming, don’t panic just yet. While sometimes it can be a sign of a spotty location or a maintenance mishap, there’s often a simpler explanation.
Most dogwoods are “late bloomers” in a different sense—they usually don’t flower for the first time until they are between six and nine years old. If your shrub is still a youngster, you might just need to give it a few more years to mature.
It’s also totally normal for flowering dogwoods to skip a year or have a “light” season. They are big fans of the sun, so if a summer is particularly cool or cloudy, they might decide to take a break from blooming. It’s just nature doing its thing!
