Comparing Dogwood varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Dogwood family and have some observations to share. exceptional seasonal spectacle from blossom through autumn colour varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — watering deeply and regularly in the first two growing seasons applies across all of them.

scale insects or aphids in the canopy attracting sooty mould affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a small garden with a compact or columnar variety chosen for scale which works well for most varieties. full canopy providing shade and habitat in summer is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.