Hyperion is a hybrid white flowering dogwood developed at Rutgers University with two goals in mind: Hardiness and bloom quality. As a result it is better suited for difficult planting conditions than most dogwoods. If you struggle to grow dogwoods, or have a site that is non-ideal (full sun or compacted soil) we would recommend you give a hybrid like Hyperion a try. According to Rutgers, trees have increased tolerance of drought, have almost no problems with powdery mildew and other fungal diseases, and display extreme vigor and rapid growth. In addition, the blooms are larger than typical and cover nearly the entire tree once it becomes established.

When choosing a dogwood it is important to remember that dogwoods evolved as moderate growers that prefer the edges of forests. They are a species evolved to partial sunlight and rich humus soils. Hybrid dogwoods were developed in order to make the dogwood population more resistant to disease and able to grow in conditions like full sun. We still recommend that you actively work to improve poor soil, before planting any tree and that you assess the site quality. Even though these dogwoods are more hardy, poor conditions will stress any tree. Like all dogwoods, hybrids require supplemental watering and careful applications of mulch during the first few growing seasons and during hot/dry periods.

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.