Stellar Pink™ Dogwood

Botanical Name: Cornus × ‘Rutgan’

Common Name: Stellar Pink Dogwood

Mature Height and Width:
15–20' tall × 15–20' wide

Growth Habit: Upright-rounded to broadly spreading small deciduous tree. Strong central leader when young, developing layered horizontal branching with age. More open branching structure than Cornus florida. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description: Medium green ovate leaves with smooth margins and prominent venation. Leaves slightly thicker and more lustrous than Cornus florida. Moderate canopy density with visible branch structure.

Flower Description: Large overlapping pink bracts (not true petals) surrounding a small central green flower cluster. Bracts deeper pink at emergence, softening slightly as they age. Four-bract form typical of hybrid dogwoods.

Bloom Time: Mid-spring.

Fall Color: Reddish-purple to burgundy.

Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade; best flowering in full sun with adequate moisture.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 5–8 (reliable in Northeast Zones 5–7).

Notable Landscape Uses: Front yard specimen; foundation accent; woodland-edge focal point; lawn specimen; small canopy tree for residential landscapes.

Deer Resistance: Moderate
Young growth and buds may experience browsing in Northeast Zones 5–7.