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flowering dogwood shrub

If you’re looking to brighten your garden with stunning spring flowers, the flowering dogwood shrub is a truly standout choice. Prized by New Zealand gardeners for their elegant form, vibrant blooms, and year-round interest, flowering dogwood shrubs (Cornus species) are as versatile as they are beautiful. Whether you’re searching for a show-stopping specimen tree, a colourful boundary, or a thoughtful gift for a fellow plant lover, this ornamental shrub brings colour, structure, and a sense of woodland charm to almost any landscape.

Cornus alba 'Sibirica' new spring foliage with white flowers.

Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’, commonly known as Siberian Dogwood, is a striking deciduous shrub ideal for New Zealand gardens. It is prized for its vivid red winter stems that provide dramatic colour when leaves fall, and its fresh green foliage that turns shades of orange and red in autumn.

From $34.43

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus 'Milky Way' specimen tree covered in masses of white flowers.

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' features large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy foliage is dark green and contrasts perfectly with the flowers. As autumn progresses, the leaves develop impressive shades of red before falling.

From $340.69

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' plants with yellow stems.
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Cornus stolonifera Flaviramea, commonly known as the Yellow Stem Dogwood, is a shrub that features bright yellow stems which become more pronounced...

From$270.40
A Cornus 'Cloud 9' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.
Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Cornus 'Cloud 9' produces masses of showy, single, white flowers through spring, which are followed by clusters of red fruit in autumn. The foliage...

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Cornus 'National' specimen tree with masses of cream-coloured flowers.
Cornus kousa National

Cornus kousa 'National' is a deciduous tree that features large and showy, cream white flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in...

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Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.
Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid...

From$340.69
A Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood) specimen tree.
Cornus controversa

Cornus controversa, commonly known as the Giant Dogwood, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that features lush foliage that emerges mid-green in...

From$383.29
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Rhododendron 'Mt Everest'

Rhododendron 'Mt Everest' is a magnificent evergreen shrub admired for its impressive flowering display and lush dark green foliage. During spring...

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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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Leptospermum 'Merinda'

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Strelitzia Mandelas Gold (Yellow Crane Flower)

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Ozothamnus Springtime White (Rice Flower)

“Springtime White” is a shrub grown for its prolific flowering and drought tolerance. Clusters of white flowers with a paper-like appearance are...

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Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

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Rose Flower Carpet Pink

Rose Flower Carpet Pink features large trusses of semi-double, pink flowers. Flowering begins in spring and continues until autumn provided the spent...

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Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet

Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet is a ground cover rose that features masses of showy, scarlet red flowers. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark...

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Rose 'Flower Carpet White' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Rose 'Flower Carpet White'

Rose 'Flower Carpet White' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its masses of pure white flowers and exceptional disease resistance. This tough...

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Cornus 'Spring Song' rose-pink flowers.
Cornus florida 'Spring Song'

Cornus florida 'Spring Song' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, rose-pink flowers are...

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Rhododendron 'Gwenevere'

Rhododendron 'Gwenevere' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its elegant flowers and lush dark green foliage. During spring, the blooms create...

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Tibouchina organensis (Night Princess Flower)

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Chaenomeles 'Double Take Scarlet' double, red flowers on a stem.
Chaenomeles 'Double Take Scarlet' (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles 'Double Take Scarlet' is a striking deciduous shrub valued for its masses of rich scarlet red double flowers that appear in late winter...

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Photinia fraseri (Red Tips Shrub)

Photinia fraseri is a popular hedging plant owing to its bright and colourful foliage. New growth is bright red and ages to become mid-dark green...

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Francoa 'Flower Girl'

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Adenandra uniflora pink flower amidst fine, green foliage.
Adenandra uniflora (China Flower)

Adenandra uniflora (China Flower) is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its fine foliage and masses of small white star shaped flowers in spring...

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Abutilon 'Souvenir de Bonn' orange flower with variegated green and cream foliage.
Abutilon 'Souvenir de Bonn' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Souvenir de Bonn' is a stunning variegated flowering shrub prized for its soft orange bell shaped blooms and green leaves edged with creamy...

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Chaenomeles speciosa 'Falconnet Charlet' plant with orange-pink flowers.
Chaenomeles speciosa 'Falconnet Charlet' (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles speciosa 'Falconnet Charlet' is a hardy deciduous flowering shrub admired for its masses of vibrant scarlet red blooms that appear in...

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Hibbertia obtusifolia (Hoary Guinea-Flower)

Hibbertia obtusifolia is a hardy evergreen shrub valued for its bright yellow flowers and dense green foliage. Flowering over an extended period, it...

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Abutilon 'Golden Fleece' yellow flowers with lush, green foliage.
Abutilon 'Golden Fleece' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Golden Fleece' is a delightful flowering shrub celebrated for its abundant golden yellow, bell shaped blooms that brighten gardens from...

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Abutilon 'Voodoo' dark red flowers.
Abutilon 'Voodoo' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Voodoo' is a striking flowering shrub admired for its deep crimson red, bell shaped blooms that appear continuously from spring through...

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Aabutilon 'Ashford Red' red flower with green foliage.
Abutilon 'Ashford Red' (Flowering Maple)

Abutilon 'Ashford Red' is a striking flowering shrub admired for its bell shaped, rich red blooms that appear from spring through autumn. The vibrant...

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Chaenomeles cathayensis plant with pink flowers.
Chaenomeles cathayensis (Flowering Quince)

Chaenomeles cathayensis is a vigorous deciduous flowering shrub admired for its spectacular spring display of soft pink flowers followed by large...

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Viburnum opulus Sterile

Viburnum opulus 'Sterile' (Snowball Bush) is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded clusters of pure white flowers that resemble...

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Abutilon 'Pink' flower.
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Abutilon 'Pink' is a charming flowering shrub known for its soft pink, bell shaped blooms that appear from spring to autumn. Its elegant arching...

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Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cornus, Leptospermum, and Rhododendron, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Deciduous Shrubs, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search flowering dogwood shrub

Why Choose a Flowering Dogwood Shrub?

The appeal of a flowering dogwood shrub extends far beyond its spectacular spring display. These shrubs are treasured for their profusion of soft pastel bracts, often creamy white, pink, or even red, which encircle true tiny flowers and light up their branches every year. Come autumn, they continue to impress with vivid scarlet foliage and decorative berries, providing food for native birds. In winter, the dogwood’s branching structure adds striking silhouettes to the garden, ensuring year-round value.

Flowering dogwood shrubs thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained, humus-rich soils. They’re ideal for borders, woodland gardens, or as accent plantings. Given their shallow roots and modest size, they also suit smaller New Zealand sections and urban gardens perfectly.

Top Varieties to Consider

Choosing the right variety will ensure your flowering dogwood shrub really shines. One of the most popular selections is Cornus florida 'Spring Song', which features classic pure white bracts and a lovely layered habit, making it a favourite among gardeners seeking an elegant, timeless look.

For something truly special, consider Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'. This variety is cherished for its abundant creamy-white flowers, followed by strawberry-like fruits in summer, offering visual interest through multiple seasons.

If you’re inspired by more unusual forms, Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' is a beautiful small tree or large shrub with showy spring blooms and striking autumn colour. For dramatic red winter stems, ideal for adding seasonal contrast, Cornus alba 'Sibirica' makes a versatile companion to other flowering dogwood shrubs.

How to Grow and Care for Flowering Dogwood

Plant your flowering dogwood shrub in a spot with morning sun and sheltered from harsh winds. Mulch generously, maintain moisture during dry spells, and feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring. Regular pruning is rarely needed, aside from the removal of crossing or damaged branches. With the right site, these plants are relatively low-maintenance and long-lived, making them an excellent addition to gardens throughout New Zealand.

Companion Plants for Flowering Dogwood

Mixing flowering dogwood shrubs with other fragrant or flowering shrubs can enhance your garden’s impact. Philadelphus Snowdrift (Philadelphus), with its snowy white, highly scented blooms, pairs beautifully with the delicate bracts of dogwoods, creating a layered and inviting effect.

Add Seasonal Beauty to Your Garden

A flowering dogwood shrub offers unparalleled grace and year-round contribution to New Zealand gardens. With their exceptional flowers, vibrant autumn hues, and structural winter branches, dogwoods are much more than a fair-weather friend. Explore our range and discover varieties like Cornus florida 'Spring Song', Cornus kousa 'Milky Way', and Cornus alba 'Sibirica' to elevate your landscape with enduring natural beauty.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
There’s more to explore beyond Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King' — like the subtle beauty of Poa cita, Acer 'Shindeshojo', and Beaucarnea recurvata (Pony Palm).
–The Plant Company

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