Appalachian Joy Dogwood
Cornus florida 'Appalachian Joy'
Mature Height: 15 to 20 ft.
Mature Spread: 15 to 20 ft.
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The Appalachian Joy dogwood is specifically bred for enhanced hardiness and disease resistance. If you have struggled with dogwoods due to problems with fungus or mildew, this tree may be your ticket to a successful planting. Appalachian Joy also has what are know as supernumerary bracts. Rather than having the classic 4 petals, it can have up to 8 petals giving it a unique and very full look. The tree was developed by the University of Tennessee's Dogwood Breeding program specifically for resistance to powdery mildew. Appalachian Joy was discovered by the dogwood team at the University of Tennessee in the late 1990s and is named after team member Dr. Alan Windham's wife Joy Windham.
Appalachian Joy has received numerous accolades. Paul Cappiello, Director of the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, praised Appalachian Joy as the "Best of the best" in dogwoods [1]. Mike Dirr, Emeritus Professor UGA and leading dogwood expert has also praised Appalachian Joy for form, beauty and disease resistance [2].
The white dogwood is a special tree, because it rewards the gardener all year. As the days lengthen and warm, stark white blooms cover the tree and announce the arrival of spring. When summer arrives the upward branching and deep green textured leaves provide an elegant and graceful appearance among larger straighter shade trees, evergreens, or the sharp geometry of your home. Swirling scarlet and purple leaves add to the color show in the fall, along with brilliant red berries that attract up to 36 species of songbird through the early winter.
This breathtakingly beautiful tree is an excellent choice to plant along streets, near large buildings, next to patios or as a property border. It provides an eye-catching display when planted in rows, but also excels as a solo planting, or among towering giants. Dogwoods do best in some shade and rich soil, but can adapt to a variety of conditions with proper care. Dogwoods do best with 2-4 inches of organic mulch.
[1] The Best Dogwoods for Your Garden, Fine Gardening Magazine, Issue 199
[2] Manual of Woody Landscape Plants..., Michael A. Dirr, 2009. 6th ed.
| Bloom Color: | Crisp white |
| Bloom Period: | Early to mid-spring |
| Fall Color: | A rusty brick red mixed with shades of purple, yellow and orange |
| Foliage Color: | Green; new foliage is bright green |
| Genus & Species: | Cornus florida 'Appalachian Joy' |
| Growth Rate: | Slow to moderate |
| Mature Height: | 15 to 20 ft. |
| Mature Spread: | 15 to 20 ft. |
| Soil Type: | Adaptable, but prefers moist, but well draining soil that is rich in organic matter |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun, partial sun, partial shade |
| Zone: | 5 to 9 |
General care for any tree or shrub is easy, but like any living thing will require your attention. Please educate yourself and follow these simple rules.