If you have a relatively dry, partly shady site, Roundleaf Dogwood may be the shrub for you. It's a lesser-known Dogwood, considered a species of concern in Rhode Island, yet provides nearly four-season interest as a specimen plant.
Its leaves are big and round, giving it a soft, tropical appearance, and its spring blooms are just as attractive as its more popular cousins.
Fragrant, creamy flowers emerge in June followed by lovely summer foliage, fall blueish-white berries on red stems and reddish markings on its twigs and branches in winter.
Native bees and butterflies love Roundleaf, which also is a larval host to the Spring Azure butterfly.
Roundleaf Dogwood is at home in dappled sunlight and medium soil. This shrub takes on a nice rounded shape, and pruning occasionally can encourage bushiness.
It likes to form small thickets and should be planted 2-5 feet apart for an informal hedge.
Dogwood, Roundleaf (shrub)
- Latin: Cornus rugosa
- Pollinator value: Medium
- Current height: 2-4 feet
- Mature height: 8-10 feet high and wide
- Light: Part-shade understory tree or shrub, vase shaped
- Soil: Medium to dry; more drought tolerant than other dogwoods
- Blooms: Bright white late spring flowers
- Foliage: Deciduous, brilliant fall reds, pinks and purples
- Landscape: Screen or hedge; excellent for dry, shady sites
- Native range here