April 2025

The Stellar Pink Dogwood is a hybrid of the American Dogwood (Cornus florida) and Chinese Dogwood (Cornus kousa), developed by Elwin R. Orton Jr. at Rutgers University. Though modest in size, this upright deciduous tree with gracefully layered branches makes a beautiful accent for front yards and small garden spaces.

This hybrid showcases the best qualities of both parent species. In spring, it’s covered in soft pink blooms with showy bracts that sit above the branches, while pointed yellow-tipped foliage emerges beneath. In fall, crimson berries attract birds, and in winter, mature bark begins to peel, adding seasonal interest.

Stellar Dogwood thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Like its native counterpart, it benefits from a thick layer of mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures throughout the year. With proper care, it can offer over 40 years of stunning beauty in the landscape.

Come see it in bloom now at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks! Our Stellar Pink Dogwood is located in the north bed of the Tyson Terrace, near the Visitors Center.

Berni Kurz

Director of Horticulture

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks