Captivating Greensleeves Dogwood Tree Variety - Ornamental Features
The Captivating Greensleeves Dogwood Tree
The greensleeves dogwood (cornus alba 'Greensleeves') is a beautiful variety of dogwood tree known for its showy white bracts and green foliage that emerges in spring. This enchanting tree adds year-round interest to landscapes and gardens.
Origins of the Greensleeves Dogwood
The greensleeves dogwood is a cultivated variety of the common dogwood species (Cornus alba), also known as the tatarian dogwood. It is believed to have originated as a chance seedling selection found in Greensleeves, Maryland in the late 1970s. The tree was noted for its attractive foliage and impressive floral display and was introduced commercially in the early 1980s by nursery proprietors in the region.
The common name "dogwood" has uncertain origins but may refer to the durability of the wood or be related to the Old English word "dagwood" meaning skewering wood used for darts and arrows. The greensleeves variety pays homage to the location of its discovery with an ornamental cultivar name meaning "green sleeves."
Beautiful Bracts and Foliage
The hallmark feature of the greensleeves dogwood is its showstopping clusters of flowers, which bloom in late spring just as the leaves are emerging. What appear as white petaled flowers are actually leaves surrounding a tiny inconspicuous cluster of yellowish flowers in the center. These modified leaves are known as bracts and they put on a glorious floral display. The bracts emerge a striking bright white in late April or May, eventually fading to pale green as they age.
The foliage is another standout feature of this variety. The leaves are a vibrant green with a hint of blue, making an attractive contrast against the white bracts in spring. The leaves turn reddish-purple in autumn, putting on another colorful display before they drop. The greensleeves dogwood is prized for having some of the most dramatic red and purple fall color among dogwood varieties.
Growing Conditions
Greensleeves dogwoods thrive in moist, well-drained soil and prefer partial sun to light shade. They do best in USDA zones 5-8. These small ornamental trees grow rather slowly, reaching heights of 6-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide at maturity. Proper siting is important, be sure not to plant them where they may be overshadowed by faster-growing trees.
The greensleeves variety is one of the most disease resistant dogwoods, though it may still succumb to issues like powdery mildew, leaf spot, and dogwood anthracnose in especially wet conditions. Luckily it is fairly drought tolerant once established. Apply a layer of mulch around the tree and avoid overhead watering to prevent disease problems.
Landscaping Uses
With its multi-season appeal, the greensleeves dogwood makes a gorgeous focal point in the garden. It can be planted alone as a specimen tree or grouped with other ornamental trees and shrubs in a mixed border. The horizontal branching structure and tiered growth habit lend wonderfully to layering plantings. Place lower growing perennials and ground covers around and below the dogwood to create a lush landscape vignette.
Some classic companion plants for greensleeves dogwood include azaleas, rhododendrons, Japanese maples, and ornamental grasses like maiden grass (Miscanthus) or switch grass (Panicum). Bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses make excellent underplantings since they come up and flower before the dogwood foliage emerges in spring.
The white bracts popping against evergreen backdrops like holly, boxwood, or junipers makes for year-round drama. In autumn, the fiery reddish-purple foliage looks striking with conifers like spruce and pine as well as deciduous viburnum and serviceberry.
Designing With Greensleeves
Greensleeves dogwood offers creative possibilities for all types of gardens. Here are some design ideas:
Woodland Gardens
With its preference for partial shade and moist soils, the greensleeves dogwood is right at home in naturalized woodland gardens. Plant it as an understory tree along with shade lovers like astilbe, bleeding hearts, hellebores, hostas, ferns and wildflowers.
Cottage Gardens
Introduce elegance to your cottage garden with Greensleeves dogwood as a focal point or edging plant. Let it mingle casually with old-fashioned roses, peonies, iris, phlox and other cheerful perennials befitting the style.
Asian-Inspired Gardens
The delicate beauty of the Greensleeves dogwood bracts and foliage complement Asian garden style nicely. Plant it as a specimen tree in a tranquil Zen garden or use it as an anchor plant in a lush Asian-inspired border.
Modern Gardens
The sculptural qualities of Greensleeves dogwood make it well suited for modern garden designs. Plant one alone in a simple, clean-lined landscape to maximize its form. Or mass several together as bold structure plants among grasses and contemporary perennials.
Cut Flowers
Bring the beauty of Greensleeves indoors by cutting branches for floral arrangements in early to mid spring when the bracts are at their peak. Pair them with early bulbs like tulips or daffodils for a cheerful spring display.
The graceful Greensleeves dogwood tree brings a glowing presence to gardens with its luminous white bracts warming up spring landscapes. Beyond the spring floral display, you’ll enjoy attractive foliage that turns a brilliant red in fall. It’s a four season beauty brightening up gardens year after year.
FAQs
When does greensleeves dogwood bloom?
Greensleeves dogwood blossoms in late spring, usually late April to mid May. Its showy white floral bracts emerge right around the same time as its green leaf foliage.
What size does greensleeves dogwood grow to?
Greensleeves dogwood grows slowly into a small ornamental tree reaching a typical mature size of 6-8 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide.
What kind of soil does greensleeves dogwood need?
Greensleeves dogwood prefers moist, well-draining loamy soil that is slightly acidic. Add organic compost to planting holes and apply mulch around the root zone to maintain ideal soil conditions.
Is greensleeves dogwood deer resistant?
Yes, greensleeves dogwood is considered moderately deer resistant. Its relative pest and disease resistance make it a good landscape choice where deer and other wildlife pressure may be problems.
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