Pacific Dogwood
Best varieties: Cornus nuttallii (native), Eddie’s White Wonder (hybrid), Venus (large-bracted)
Moderate
Tree
❄️ Frost Hardy
🐾 Pet Safe
🌲 PNW Growing Notes
Washington’s state tree. Elegant white bracts in spring, red berries in fall, and beautiful winter bark. Native to PNW forests—naturally suited to our climate.
☀️ Light
Part shade to full sun
💧 Water
Moderate—consistent moisture
🪨 Soil
Well-drained, slightly acidic, rich in organic matter
📏 Spacing
180" apart
📅 Planting Timeline (Seattle)
🪴
Transplant Outdoors
Fall or spring
🌸
Bloom Season
Apr–May (white bracts); Sep–Oct (fall color)
💡 Pro Tip
Eddie’s White Wonder hybrid is disease-resistant and easier than the pure native. Avoid disturbing roots—dogwoods don’t like being transplanted.
🤝 Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
Rhododendrons, Sword Ferns, Salal