Cornus florida subsp. urbiniana - Flowering Dogwood

Rare and unique, the Cornus florida subsp. urbiniana distinguishes itself from other dogwoods with its white bracts gathered at their apex to form small Chinese lanterns. This small tree thrives in sunny, slightly acidic soils and is perfect for small gardens thanks to its moderate size and dual decorative interest: the autumn foliage colouration is as spectacular as its flowering!

The Mexican Flowering Dogwood is as rare in its natural habitat in mountain forests in eastern Mexico as it is in collections and nurseries. It is a large shrub or exceptional small tree with its spring flowering, composed of small, discreet green ball-shaped flowers surrounded by visible white bracts. In the Cornus florida subsp. urbiniana, the bracts are recurved, which makes them appear narrower, and fused at their ends so that the "flower" cannot fully open and takes the form of a small lantern. It is also worth noting that this subspecies retains its foliage longer in autumn, which further increases its decorative interest as the foliage takes on beautiful wine-red hues before falling.

Cornus florida subsp. urbiniana has a narrower habit than other dogwoods. It can reach up to 8 meters in height. It is a semi-hardy bush resistant to temperatures down to -12C that is suitable for all mild climates. It requires a bright location in a non-limestone, light and humus-rich soil, which remains consistently moist but without excess water. It does not appreciate strong winds and prefers a position sheltered from late spring frosts.

Extremely rare and reputedly hard to find, this Mexican Flowering Dogwood deserves a special place in your garden, where its architectural design will blend in with all styles, from a white garden to a contemporary garden to an English cottage garden and even small urban gardens. Our advice is to complement it with a Hydrangea paniculata 'Great Star' with equally unusual, undulate petals, which will bloom in summer and appreciates the same growing conditions, or other white or pink perennials or even acid-loving shrubs.