Deciduous shrubs – non-flowering – Giant Gray Dogwood

Giant gray dogwood 

Botanical name: cornus racemosa 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 26 ft in height with a 16 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 4-8 

Foliage color: green 

Growth rate: grows about 2 and a half ft per year

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired size and shape in the spring and winter

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings

Landscape use: naturalizing, mass planting, screening 

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: attracts pollinators 

Watering instructions: water when the first 2 inches of soil have dried out 

Fertilizing instructions : use an all purpose plant food slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: sand, loam 

Companion plants: black-eyed susan, poppies, ferns

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no