The shrub has an unruly growth habit and forms dense thickets when left on its own.
Silky dogwood grows well in well-drained, moist, acidic soil.
Water
Watering a young plant that is not established is essential.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Newly planted shrubs should be watered weekly and deeply for the first year until they have established their roots.
It’s at its best when used in informal gardens when a manicured look is not needed.
Temperature and Humidity
Silky dogwoods are found inUSDA zones5-8 and are frost hardy.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Where temperatures are high in summer, the shrub benefits from protection from afternoon sun.
It does not tolerate drought well.
Fertilizer
There is no need to fertilize the silky dogwood.
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It will grow and spread well in most soils.
If the soil istested for pHand it is high, an amendment can be added to increase the acidity.
However, because of its use as a food source for pollinators, fertilizers and amendments are not recommended.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Proactively cut suckers, trim unwanted growth, andremove dead and damaged branches.
Mature silky dogwood shrubs typically have four to six main stems.
you could prune one of these stems down to ground level without affecting the plant much.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The best time for propagating is generally in the spring.
The fastest methods are layering and cutting.
A rock on a stem would work.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
After a few months, the stem will have taken root, and a thicket formed.
Collect the seeds of mature fruits from September to November.
Berries have ripened once they turn from white to blue.
Containers are harder to keep cool, especially in the summer.
It is deciduous, so it drops its leaves in the fall.
It goes dormant and, generally, has no problems handling wintry weather.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Silky dogwood generally resists insects and diseases.
Silky dogwood is also deer-resistant.
It is also noted to be immune to juglone (black walnut) toxicity.
Fungicide should be applied if noticeable in the spring.
Nitrogen often reduces flower production in favor of leaf production.
Also, a lack of water or the wrong soil can affect flowering.
Bloom Months
Silky dogwood blooms in May and June.
How Long Does Silky Dogwood Stay in Bloom?
Silky dogwoods flowers remain in bloom for about 10 to 14 days.
What Do Silky Dogwood Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Silky dogwood produces tiny, creamy-white 2- to 3-inch flower clusters.
Each flower is about 1/2 inch wide with four star-looking petals.
The flowers have a sweet fragrance similar to honeysuckle.
Dogwoods need adequate moisture to thrive since they have a shallow root system and are susceptible to drought stress.
Give water deeply and regularly, especially if the tree is in a full sun spot.
Also, layer mulch over the root zone to help the soil retain moisture.
Give water to help alleviate drought stress.
One of the silky dogwoods niches is its ornamental uses.
It can be used in acottage-style gardenor as an accent shrub in arain gardento provide three-season interest.
Silky dogwood grows at a medium growth rate, averaging 12 to 24 inches annually.
On average, silky dogwood gets about 10 feet tall.
Although, on the small side, it grows about 6 feet tall.
In great growing conditions, it can get up to 12 feet tall.
Cornus Amomum.North Carolina State University Extension.
