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Best Dogwood For Full Sun (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a tree that will thrive in full sunlight, look no further than the dogwood. With its vibrant blooms and stunning foliage, the dogwood is a popular choice for many gardeners.

However, before purchasing a dogwood for full sun, there are a few factors to consider. First, make sure the tree is the right size for your space. Dogwoods come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to choose one that will fit in your yard without becoming overcrowded. Additionally, consider the soil and drainage in your area. Dogwoods require well-drained soil, so make sure your planting area is suitable.

Are you looking for a tree that will provide year-round interest? Do you want a plant that will attract birds and wildlife to your yard? Are you interested in a low-maintenance tree that won’t require constant pruning? These are just a few questions you may be asking yourself when considering a dogwood for full sun. No matter your gardening goals, the dogwood is sure to add beauty and interest to your landscape, making it a great choice for any gardener.

10 Best Dogwood For Full Sun

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is an ideal shrub for adding visual interest to a garden with its white flowers and variegated foliage.
2
The product is ideal for creating a fast-growing, eco-friendly privacy screen or windbreak.
3
The product is ideal for planting in gardens and landscaping.
4
The product is ideal for landscaping and adding diversity to gardens with visually appealing shrubbery.
5
Ideal for growing a variety of low-maintenance, shade-loving perennial plants with colorful foliage in your garden.
6
The product is ideal for growing a beautiful and healthy climbing vine in your garden.
7
The product is ideal for outdoor landscaping with evergreen shrubs that thrive in full sun to part sun environments.
8
The product is ideal for creating a low-maintenance, shaded garden that lasts for years.
9
The product is ideal for outdoor landscaping and adding vibrant purple color to gardens and yards that receive full sun.
10
It is ideal for those who want to grow a thick-trunked, dwarf bonsai tree and it ships from Iowa, USA.
The product is an ideal shrub for adding visual interest to a garden with its white flowers and variegated foliage.
The product is ideal for creating a fast-growing, eco-friendly privacy screen or windbreak.
The product is ideal for planting in gardens and landscaping.
The product is ideal for landscaping and adding diversity to gardens with visually appealing shrubbery.
Ideal for growing a variety of low-maintenance, shade-loving perennial plants with colorful foliage in your garden.
The product is ideal for growing a beautiful and healthy climbing vine in your garden.
The product is ideal for outdoor landscaping with evergreen shrubs that thrive in full sun to part sun environments.
The product is ideal for creating a low-maintenance, shaded garden that lasts for years.
The product is ideal for outdoor landscaping and adding vibrant purple color to gardens and yards that receive full sun.
It is ideal for those who want to grow a thick-trunked, dwarf bonsai tree and it ships from Iowa, USA.

1. Ivory Halo Varigated Dogwood – #3 Container

This landscape plant comes in a 3-gallon trade pot, fully rooted in soil and ready to be planted upon arrival, as long as the weather is suitable. Please refrain from planting during frigid winter months or under drought conditions. Shipment includes detailed planting and care instructions. For optimal growth, plant in USDA Zones 3-7. The plant grows up to 4-6ft in height and spread, with a popular Green and White foliage and attractive Red stems that add character to your winter garden. It thrives in full or partial sun, and is expected to be dormant with no leaves from late fall through winter months, which is a natural process. New leaves will sprout in Spring.

Pros

  • Comes in a 3-gallon trade pot, fully rooted and ready to plant
  • Detailed planting and care instructions are included with shipment
  • Attractive Green and White foliage with Red stems add character to your winter garden
  • Thrives in full or partial sun
  • Expected to grow up to 4-6ft in height and spread

Cons

  • – Not recommended to plant during frigid winter months or under drought conditions

2. 50 Austree Hybrid Willows – Grow 10ft/yr!

Aussie Hybrid Willows are a popular choice for those looking for fast-growing trees that provide privacy and shade. These trees are well-known for their attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements. The best part is that they don't produce any seeds or cotton, making them a great choice for those who don't want to deal with the mess of other types of trees.

Apart from their aesthetic appeal, these trees are also environmentally friendly. They are great for erosion control, and they can help dry up bogs. Additionally, they produce oxygen and filter the air, making them a great addition to any landscape. They are also wildlife-friendly and deer-resistant.

Growing Aussie Hybrid Willows is easy, and the seller provides detailed instructions and tips for success. They even include links to YouTube videos to help you get started. If you have any issues with your purchase, CZ Grain offers a guarantee on all their products. Simply contact them for a fast and easy solution.

Pros

  • Fast-growing trees that provide privacy and shade
  • Attractive appearance and low maintenance requirements
  • Don't produce any seeds or cotton
  • Great for erosion control and drying up bogs
  • Produce oxygen and filter the air
  • Wildlife-friendly and deer-resistant
  • Comes with detailed instructions and tips for success
  • CZ Grain offers a guarantee on all their products

3. Cat's Pajamas Catmint – Nepeta 'cat's Pajamas' – One Gallon Container

Please note that this product cannot be shipped to California due to Department of Agriculture restrictions on live plants. The mature height of this plant is between 12 to 14 inches, and the mature width is between 18 to 20 inches. It is recommended to plant this in USDA planting zones between 3 to 8. This plant requires full sun exposure to grow and thrive.

If you are located outside of California and looking for a low-growing plant that can add a pop of color to your garden, then this might be the perfect choice for you. With its compact size, it can fit into small spaces easily, and it can also be grown in containers. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate different soil types and weather conditions. Additionally, it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden ecosystem.

Pros

  • Compact size, perfect for small gardens or containers
  • Hardy and can tolerate different soil types and weather conditions
  • Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

Cons

  • – Cannot be shipped to California due to Department of Agriculture restrictions on live plants

4. 2 Gal. Obsession Nandina Shrub

Add a pop of color to your garden with this stunning plant that boasts vibrant leaf color all year round. Perfect for USDA zones 6-10, this plant thrives in both sun and partial shade. With low maintenance requirements, it's easy to care for and only needs to be watered twice a week until established, after which it only requires weekly watering. Although it doesn't bloom, its beautiful leaf color is perfect for brightening up your garden during the winter months. Ideal for full sun exposure, this plant is a must-have for any garden lover.

Looking for a plant that adds a burst of color to your garden all year round? Look no further than this stunning plant! Perfect for USDA zones 6-10, it thrives in both sun and partial shade and is incredibly low maintenance. Water it twice a week until established, and then simply water once a week thereafter. Although it doesn't bloom, the vibrant leaf color is a beautiful addition to any garden, especially during the winter months. Make sure to plant it in full sun for best results.

Pros

  • Stunning leaf color all year round
  • Perfect for USDA zones 6-10
  • Thrives in both sun and partial shade
  • Low maintenance
  • Ideal for full sun exposure

Cons

  • – Does not bloom

5. Hosta Mixed – 6 Perennial Bare Roots

The 6 Bare Root Perennial Hostas are a great addition to any garden. These plants are ready to grow and will bloom from summer through fall, bringing color and beauty to your yard. They are hardy perennials that can withstand zones 3 to 8, making them a great choice for a wide range of climates. These hostas are perfect for shaded areas and can grow up to 18 inches in height, while spreading between 32 to 36 inches. They require low maintenance and are easy to care for, making them a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Pros

  • Blooms from summer through fall, adding color and beauty to any garden
  • Hardy perennial that can withstand zones 3 to 8, making it suitable for a wide range of climates
  • Great for shaded areas and can grow up to 18 inches in height
  • Low maintenance and easy to care for, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners

6. Heavenly Blue Climbing Vine Seeds – Non-Gmo!

The Bright Blue Morning Blooming Vine is the perfect addition to any garden or outdoor space. This vine is suitable for all zones and blooms beautifully in the spring, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. It has a romantic and old-fashioned charm with its gorgeous shape and tendrils.

When planting, it is recommended to soak the seeds before planting them at a depth of 1/2 inch. These non-GMO and neonicotinoid seeds are a great choice for those who are conscious about their environmental impact.

Marde Ross & Company has been a licensed California Nursery since 1985, so you can trust in the quality of their products.

Pros

  • Suitable for all zones
  • Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds
  • Romantic and old-fashioned charm
  • Non-GMO and neonicotinoid seed
  • Trustworthy brand with over 35 years of experience

7. Pringles Evergreen Shrub For Outdoor Sunlight.

Looking for a low-maintenance and visually appealing plant for your garden? The Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Pringles Dwarf' is an exceptional choice! This plant is available for shipping across the United States, except for Hawaii and Alaska. The plant is shipped in a pot filled with soil, ensuring that it arrives healthy and ready for planting.

The Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Pringles Dwarf' is a slow-growing shrub that can add a unique and interesting look to your garden. It grows to a mature size of 4-5 feet in height and 6-5 feet in width. Its compact size makes it perfect for small gardens, patios, or as a container plant. The plant's foliage consists of dark green needles that are soft to the touch, adding a pleasant texture to your garden.

This plant is suitable for USDA zones 8-11, which covers most of the southern United States. It is highly adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. With the proper care, this shrub can live up to twenty years, providing you with a long-lasting addition to your garden.

Bring a touch of elegance and sophistication to your garden with the Podocarpus macrophyllus 'Pringles Dwarf'. Order now and enjoy the beauty of this unique plant!

Pros

  • Low-maintenance and visually appealing plant
  • Ships in a pot with soil, ensuring healthy arrival
  • Compact size makes it perfect for small gardens, patios, or containers
  • Highly adaptable to various soil types and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade
  • Can live up to twenty years with proper care

Cons

  • – Unavailable for shipping to Hawaii and Alaska
  • – Slow-growing shrub may not provide instant gratification for those looking for immediate results

8. Mixed Hosta Perennials (6 Pack Of Bare Roots) – Great Hardy Shade Plants

Introducing the Fresh and Healthy Bare Root Starts, a perfect addition to any garden! This set includes 6 bare root starts that come with a 100% grow guarantee. These perennializing hostas bloom throughout the summer and fall, providing beautiful scenery in your garden. With low maintenance, they grow up to approximately 18 inches in diameter, making them a great option for small gardens or for those who prefer plants that don't require a lot of work.

These bare root starts are fresh and healthy, ensuring that they will grow into beautiful plants. They are easy to plant and require minimal care, making them perfect for beginners or those who don't have a lot of time to devote to gardening. With a 100% grow guarantee, you can be confident that your investment will pay off.

The blooms of these hostas are a sight to behold. They add a splash of color to your garden in the form of beautiful flowers that last from summer through fall. As perennializing hostas, they will bloom year after year, providing you with beautiful scenery for years to come.

In addition to their beautiful blooms, these hostas are also low maintenance. They don't require a lot of water or fertilizer, so you can spend less time caring for them and more time enjoying their beauty. And with a diameter of approximately 18 inches, they are a great option for small gardens or for those who prefer plants that don't take up too much space.

Pros

  • Fresh and healthy bare root starts
  • 100% grow guarantee
  • Blooms summer through fall
  • Perennializing hostas
  • Low maintenance
  • Grows to about 18 inches in diameter

9. Autumn Royalty Azalea – Purple Shrub Brilliance

The Encore Azalea Autumn Royalty is a stunning evergreen shrub that will add beauty to your garden for months on end. This reblooming plant produces deep pink flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, making it an excellent choice for a focal point in your yard or garden. With a dense growth habit, it can also be used as a foundational growth plant and grows well in mass.

Unlike other azaleas, the Autumn Royalty requires little pruning to retain its form and does not need to be deadheaded. However, if you do choose to prune, it's best to do so immediately after the spring flowering. Light pruning may facilitate growth and flowering in future seasons. It's important to avoid fall pruning as this can remove buds that have already begun setting for the next blooming season.

This fast grower can reach sizes of 4.5' W x 4' H and is hardy in zones 6-10. It can tolerate full sun, but prefers partial shade for optimal blooms. Like other azaleas, it thrives in acidic soil with a maximum pH of 6.5, but prefers a lower pH around 5.5. In the early years, it's important to water regularly, especially during dry periods.

The Encore Azalea Autumn Royalty is shipped as a 1 gallon potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. Please note that it's not guaranteed to be in bloom on arrival. This plant cannot be shipped to Hawaii and Alaska.

Pros

  • Reblooming plant that gives months of beauty instead of weeks
  • Produces stunning deep pink flowers that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees
  • Can be used as a focal point or foundational growth plant
  • Requires little pruning to retain its form
  • Fast grower that can reach sizes of 4.5' W x 4' H
  • Hardy in zones 6-10 and can tolerate full sun
  • Thrives in acidic soil with a maximum pH of 6.5

Cons

  • – Not guaranteed to be in bloom on arrival
  • – Cannot be shipped to Hawaii and Alaska

10. Iowa Green Willow Bonsai – Dwarf Material.

Bring home the beauty of a weeping willow tree with this easy-to-grow cutting. This unique specimen boasts vibrant bark and is fast-growing, making it a stunning addition to any indoor or outdoor space. The cutting doesn't come with a pot or soil, but it's recommended to use high-quality potting soil like Fox Farms Ocean Forest or CZ Grain Bonsai Soil for best results.

Rated #1 for growth performance, this willow cutting is perfect for beginners, masters, and children alike. It's the ideal DIY gift for anyone, including mom, dad, him or her, on birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, housewarming, or any other occasion. See the excitement in their eyes as they experience growing indoor bonsai trees.

If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to contact the seller for assistance. 100% satisfaction is guaranteed, or your money back. Please note that images are for reference only and show mature plants. The cutting ships bare root or fresh cut with no roots in the winter.

Pros

  • Fast-growing and easy-to-grow cutting
  • Vibrant bark adds beauty to any indoor or outdoor space
  • Ideal for beginners, masters, and children
  • Perfect DIY gift for any occasion
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed

Cons

  • – No pot or soil included
  • – May require additional care and attention

Best Dogwood For Full Sun FAQs

Can dogwood trees thrive in full sun?

Yes, dogwood trees can thrive in full sun, but they also prefer some shade. Dogwood trees are popular ornamental trees that are well-known for their attractive flowers, colorful bark, and attractive foliage. They can grow in a wide range of soil types and can tolerate a variety of growing conditions, including full sun, partial shade, and even full shade.

However, while dogwood trees can grow in full sun, they tend to do better with some shade. This is because full sun can cause stress on the tree, especially during hot summer months. If you are planting a dogwood tree in full sun, it is important to make sure that the soil is well-draining and that the tree receives adequate water and nutrients.

In general, dogwood trees are hardy and adaptable, and they can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. With proper care and attention, your dogwood tree can grow into a beautiful and healthy addition to your landscape.

How do I properly care for a dogwood tree in full sun?

Proper care of a dogwood tree in full sun is crucial to ensure its healthy growth and longevity. First and foremost, choose a well-drained location with soil that is rich in organic matter. Dogwood trees prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Water the tree deeply once a week, especially during dry spells, and make sure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch the base of the tree with 2-3 inches of organic material to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, removing any damaged or diseased branches. Fertilize the tree annually with a balanced slow-release fertilizer, following the manufacturer's recommended application rate. If the tree shows signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves or wilting, provide additional water and consider providing shade during the hottest part of the day. By following these care tips, your dogwood tree will thrive in full sun and provide beautiful blooms for years to come.

How much water do dogwood trees in full sun need?

Dogwood trees are known for their beautiful blooms and foliage, but they require adequate water to thrive. In full sun, dogwood trees need about 1 inch of water per week, especially during the hot summer months. However, the amount of water required can vary depending on various factors such as soil type, temperature, and humidity. It is important to note that overwatering can also harm the tree, so it is essential to monitor the soil moisture level regularly. One helpful tip is to water deeply and infrequently instead of frequent shallow watering. Additionally, adding a layer of mulch around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Overall, a well-watered dogwood tree will be healthier, more vibrant, and better able to resist disease and pests.

What are the best varieties of dogwood for full sun?

When it comes to selecting dogwood varieties for full sun, there are a few options that can thrive in such conditions. One of the best options is the Kousa dogwood, which is known for its resistance to diseases and pests. This variety can tolerate full sun exposure, but it also requires well-drained soil and regular watering. The Cherokee Brave dogwood is another great option that can handle full sun conditions. This variety produces stunning red-pink flowers and can grow up to 20 feet tall. Other varieties that can thrive in full sun include the Chinese dogwood and the Stellar Pink dogwood. However, it's important to note that even sun-tolerant dogwood varieties still require some shade and protection during the hottest parts of the day. It's always best to consult with a local nursery or gardening expert to determine the best dogwood variety for your specific growing conditions.

What are the common problems and pests that affect dogwood trees in full sun?

Dogwood trees are known for their beautiful flowers and colorful foliage, making them a popular choice for landscaping. However, like any other plant, they are susceptible to pests and diseases that can cause damage or even death if left untreated. One of the most common problems that affect dogwood trees in full sun is powdery mildew, a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on leaves and stems. Other common pests include scale insects, borers, and aphids, which can cause significant damage to the tree's branches and leaves. In addition, dogwood trees in full sun are more vulnerable to drought stress and heat damage, which can lead to wilted leaves, scorched foliage, and even death. To prevent these problems, it's important to provide your dogwood tree with proper care, including regular watering, mulching, pruning, and fertilization. You should also keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases, and take action promptly if you notice any issues.

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