Dogwoods are magical. Angelic white or gorgeous pink, you get nothing but spellbound by the spring flowers. But that’s not the only show. Dogwoods will reward you with dreamy autumn with colorful leaves. Thus, this iconic native American doll never stops showing its beauty.
But every year, plenty of growers face trouble getting expected blooms only due to an inappropriate selection of fertilizer. To pick the right fertilizer, you must know, what is the best fertilizer for dogwood trees?
In short, any fertilizer that has high Nitrogen with a decent amount of Phosphorus & Potassium. The perfect fertilizer supplies both macro & micronutrients for your hungry Dogwoods.
The good news, this article comes with a well-researched list of the 8 best fertilizers for your Dogwoods with solid reviews. Hopefully, it will save you some time & help you with an easy purchase.
Let’s check out the dishes-
Top 8 Fertilizer For Dogwood Trees- Comparisons
| Fertilizer | NPK | Form | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Fertilizer | 30-10-10 | Granular | Synthetic | |
| Espoma Holly Tone Fertilizer | 4-3-4 | Granular | Organic | |
| Jobe’s Organics Fertilizer | 4-3-4 | Granular | Organic | |
| Nelson Acid Loving Plant Food | 9-13-11 | Granular | Synthetic | |
| Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes | 9-8-7 | Spike | Synthetic | |
| Dr. Earth Acid Fertilizer | 3-4-3 | Granular | Organic | |
| TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer | – | Granular | Organic | |
| Down To Earth Natural Fertilizer | 4-3-6 | Granular | Organic |
Top 8 Fertilizer For Dogwood Trees- Reviews
1. Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food
Nutrient Composition
The NPK ratio of this fertilizer is 30-10-10. That means if you take 100g of this fertilizer, there will be 30% N, 10% P & 10 % K. These three macronutrients share 50% of the blend. And the remaining 50% consists of B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn & other inert ingredients.
However, the fertilizer supplies nine essential macro & micronutrients obtained from safe inorganic sources like ammonium phosphate, urea, copper EDTA, Iron EDTA, etc.
Nutrient Analysis
You know, trees require high Nitrogen to get a strong structure & lush foliage. Thereby, you can’t ignore this fertilizer. Besides, an equal amount of Phosphorus & Potassium will ensure that your Dogwood gets proper root growth, flowering, disease resistance, increased photosynthesis & so on.
Furthermore, it contains six other essential micronutrients so that your Dogwood never stays hungry & can run internal biologies smoothly.
Exclusive Highlights
The fertilizer starts feeding your Dogwood instantly because it is water-soluble & keeps feeding for up to 2 weeks.
Moreover, it carries chelated iron, manganese, copper & zinc. The chelated form of nutrients keeps them away from unwanted harmful soil reactions & makes sure 100% availability for plants uptake.
Applying Method
Mix one & half tablespoons of the fertilizer per one gallon of water & soak the base soil of your Dogwood.
2. Espoma Holly Tone Fertilizer
Nutrient Composition
The fertilizer comes with an NPK ratio of 4-3-4. It also contains Ca (5%), Mg (1%) & S (5%). So far, I have told you exactly what the product label says. But my research adds some more nutrients to the list. How? Let’s see-
The fertilizer is a mixture of eight natural & organic compounds, such as feather meal, poultry manure, bone meal, alfalfa meal, greensand, sulfate of potash, sulfate of potash magnesia & elemental sulfur. And these sources also supply essential micronutrients like Na, Cu, B, Cl, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, etc.
Nutrient Analysis
See, it is nearly a balanced fertilizer but has a low phosphorus content. Moreover, it has higher calcium & sulfur than nitrogen, phosphorus & potassium. Why so?
You know, nitrogen is responsible for the vigorous growth of Dogwood, such as hardy stems, deep green leaves & such. In this fertilizer, calcium will work with nitrogen to increase the strength of the cell wall.
On the other hand, sulfur is here for many reasons, but mainly to acidify the soil for Dogwoods. Besides, this fertilizer releases 2.5 % nitrogen lowly for long-lasting nourishment. And with such a nutritional composition, it is a quality product for Dogwood trees but excellent for Dogwood shrubs.
Exclusive Highlights
Espoma Holly Tone is acid-loving plant food. The company has come up with a commitment with the gardener for “Better blooms & foliages” of their flowering plants. Well, it is easy to commit with such distinct features, for example-
The company derived 1% humic acid from leonardite to increase the soil microbial activity & nutrient uptake ability of your Dogwoods. Moreover, it has this exclusive blend of beneficial soil microbes called “BIO-TONE.” This unique formula increases soil fertility by breaking down the organic matter & also enhances soil drainage.
Applying Method
For Dogwood shrubs, measure the diameter of the dripline. Then sprinkle the granules following the dripline & water thoroughly. The application rate is 1 cup per food of the diameter. But use 2 cups if the diameter is more than 3 feet.
3. Jobe’s Organics Fertilizer
Nutrient Composition
The fertilizer is OMRI approved as it is a fusion of feather meal, bone meal, processed poultry manure & sulfate of potash. And these sources supply 4% N, 3% P, 4% K, 7% Ca, 0.5% Mg & 1% S.
But wait. I don’t know why the company hasn’t mentioned that the sources also add Na, Cu, B, Cl, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, etc to the soil.
Nutrient Analysis
Both feather meal & bone meal are great sources of natural protein, high phosphorus, and calcium that promotes blooms, fruit, and root growth.
A decent amount of potassium takes care of the overall Dogwood health by helping in nutrient absorption, respiration, transpiration, and enzyme activity. It secures smooth internal water flow & hearty blooms.
Furthermore, processed poultry manure is a nutrient-rich compound that increases the soil organic matter for your Dogwood.
Exclusive Highlights
The best feature is, it contains BIOZOME- a distinct combination of beneficial microorganisms like bacteria, Mycorrhizal fungi, and Archaea. This unique blend encourages long-term soil quality, raises plant growth, and makes your plant resistant to disease, insects, and drought.
Applying Method
Apply fertilizer at the dripline & water thoroughly. Follow the application rate of 3 cups per 1″ trunk diameter & re-apply after 6 weeks.
4. Nelson Acid Loving Plant Food
Nutrient Composition
The composition goes for any plant that loves acidic soil conditions, such as Dogwoods, Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias, Magnolias, Ferns, Red Bud, Jasmines, Caladiums, etc.
However, the fertilizer provides 9% N, 13% P, 10% K, 13% S, 3.20% Fe, and 20% cottonseed meal derived from urea form, ammonium phosphate, cottonseed meal, sulfur, etc.
Nutrient Analysis
The composition is pretty unique. We can see, all the nutrients are released in high amounts for hardy growth, root development, brunching, abundant blooming & other internal activities.
But among them, cottonseed meal is a particular attraction. The fertilizer contains 20% of it. You know, cotton seeds are a natural source of several proteins, N, P, K & some other minor elements. It acidifies the soil & reduces the runoff of nutrients to keep the soil nutritious.
Moreover, the fertilizer contains 3.71% slowly available & 1.88% water-insoluble N from four different N sources to feed your Dogwood for up to three months.
Besides, it has three acidifying sources to create the perfect environment for Dogwood. So, with Nelson plant food, your Dogwood is in good hands.
Exclusive Highlights
The fertilizer is a NutriStar product. That means the ingredients are horticulturally correct for Dogwoods & release the target macro & micronutrients in the exact amount.
Applying Method
Apply 10 cups of the granules evenly on the 100 square feet of the soil surface around the plant & water thoroughly
5. Jobe’s Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Fertilizer Spikes
Nutrient Composition
Three distinct inorganic sources are mixed to form this plant food. The sources are ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate & potassium chloride. However, the product label says it supplies 9% N, 8% P, 7% K. But we can assume that the fertilizer also provides S & Cl to the soil.
Nutrient Analysis
Each spike of this fertilizer has two active releasing tactics. It can feed your Dogwoods both instantly & slowly for a long-lasting feeding. Let me tell you in more detail-
Each spike contains occluded nutrients to be released slowly for a long feeding program. The company mentioned the presence of 4% occluded N, 3% occluded P & 3% occluded K in each spike.
Exclusive Highlights
Every single spike is pre-measured so that your Dogwood gets the exact amount of nutrients at the right time. Moreover, due to spike formulation, no waste or runoff is guaranteed.
Additionally, the spikes are suitable for almost every acid-loving plant like Dogwood, Azalea, Rhododendron, Magnolia, etc.
Applying Method
Insert the spikes deep into the soil following the dripline. For that, first, draw the dripline & measure the diameter. For 3 feet of diameter, use 3 spikes. After that, water entirely.
6. Dr. Earth Organic Azalea/Camellia/Rhododendron Acid Fertilizer
Nutrient Composition
The fertilizer specified the presence of 3% N, 4% P & 3% K from alfalfa meal, fishbone meal, feather meal, bone meal, potassium sulfate, kelp meal & kelp flour.
But the sources also supply other essential nutrients to feed your Dogwood.
Nutrient Analysis
All 3% Nitrogen of this fertilizer is water-insoluble. You know, water-insoluble nutrients get uptaken slowly. Thus it feeds your Dogwood for a long time.
So, if your Dogwood needs an urgent N supply, this fertilizer won’t be able to supply it. But if you use it beforehand, it will never keep your Dogwood hungry. That’s why the elderly say prevention is better than cure.
Exclusive Highlights
This one product is suitable for several plants of your garden, such as Dogwood, Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron, Maple, Holly, Gardenia & so on. Along with providing nutrients, the fertilizer also takes care of your garden soil. How?
Well, it contains a mixture of broadspectrum soil inoculants called TruBiotic. Beneficial soil inoculants like bacteria & mycorrhizal fungi are present in this blend to make the soil rich in organic matter % well-drained.
Moreover, it carries 11% humic acid to keep the soil fertile & nutritious.
Applying Method
Measure the trunk diameter & draw a drip line. Then sprinkle the granules evenly inside the dripline. The application rate is 2 cups for every inch of trunk diameter. After that, slightly work on the soil & water deeply.
7. TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer For Dogwood
Nutrient Composition
This company hasn’t followed the common business tactics. Like other companies, it has not revealed any of its ingredients & nutrient composition online.
But don’t worry. It provides a separate hard copy of the application instructions & nutrient composition along with the product. Since the company likes to keep that information private, I am also not crossing the line by revealing it.
Nutrient Analysis
The fertilizer contains both macro & micronutrients for optimal growth & flowering of Dogwoods. It releases nitrogen slowly to feed your Dogwoods throughout the growing season.
However, the user of this product has never complained about the quality of the ingredients. So, it is trustworthy.
Exclusive Highlights
All the ingredients of this fertilizer are specially picked to meet Dogwood’s nutrient requirements entirely. Moreover, the fertilizer helps in fighting insects and diseases. The bottom line is, TreeHelp Premium Fertilizer will secure Dogwoods’ health and beautiful flowers.
Applying Method
First of all, draw a drip line. Then make holes following the dripline by keeping 3 feet of distance between two holes. Each hole should be 4-6 inches deep. Pour a one-quarter cup of the granules into each hole. After that, work on the soil slightly & water entirely.
8. Down To Earth All Natural Acid Mix Fertilizer
“Compost this Box,” is probably the best line that I have seen on a fertilizer packet. Yes, you can compost the package of this fertilizer as it is 100% biodegradable. Let’s see what else it has-
Nutrient Composition
The fertilizer seems to be the best natural fertilizer for Dogwoods as it combines 100% natural compounds like cottonseed meal, fishbone meal, langbeinite, rock phosphate & kelp meal.
And, the sources supply 4% N, 3% P, 6% K, 3% Ca, 2% Mg & 2% S.
Nutrient Analysis
Clearly, the fertilizer comes up with some interesting ingredients. But I want to focus on the Nitrogen content since it is vital for Dogwoods. The fertilizer has 0.4% N to feed your Dogwood instantly but the remaining 3.6% N will be released slowly for a long time.
Furthermore, it is an acid mix for a reason. Several sources supply S to acidify the soil. For example, cottonseed meal is a renowned acidifier.
Exclusive Highlights
Dr. Earth has manufactured this fertilizer for lush greens & the growth of acid-loving plants like Dogwoods, Blueberries, Raspberries, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, Evergreen trees, and shrubs.
But, this fertilizer not only supplies nutrients. It contains 2.5% humic acid to take care of the soil too. Humic acid keeps the soil nutritious, fertile & rich in organic matter. It also makes nutrient uptake easier for Dogwoods.
Applying Method
For inground Dogwood trees, sprinkle 1 lb per 1″ trunk diameter following the drip line. After that, work on the soil & water thoroughly.
Dogwood Fertilizer Requirements
Dogwood’s fertilizer requirements are not that easy to outline. Several factors can alter the demands but, the main three are-
- Dogwood age (Newly planted/ Established)
- Soil nutrient status (Accurate/ Excessive/ Lack of nutrients)
- Growing Medium (In-ground/ Container)
But if you ask for Dogwood Nutrient requirements, it’s easier to answer. Dogwoods require nearly 18 macro & micronutrients to complete their entire life cycle. Among them, scientists have discovered Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Boron, Zinc & Copper are the most craved ones.
So, a perfect Dogwood tree care fertilizer should contain these nutrients.
Now, about the NPK ratio, Dogwood trees, such as Cornus Florida or Flowering Dogwood, Kousa Dogwood, Pagoda Dogwood, Cherry Dogwood & shrubs like Little Poncho Dogwood, Pacific Dogwood, Swamp Dogwood, Bloodtwig Dogwood, etc mostly require comparatively higher Nitrogen & Potassium than Phosphorus.
However, For a more specific idea about Dogwood fertilizer requirements, check out the following information-
- For newly planted Dogwoods, slow-release fertilizer is good with a nearly equal N, P & K.
- But the best fertilizer for mature Dogwood trees should be more focused on Nitrogen content.
- You can’t completely relax with the potted Dogwoods. Due to limited soil, always determine their requirements by testing the soil. Additionally, always keep following the direction of the fertilizer.
How To Choose The Best Fertilizer For Dogwood Tree?
Choosing a perfect fertilizer for your Dogwood tree is troublesome work. But the following steps will definitely make your task easier & organized.
Step 1:
Understand the demand of your Dogwood variety. I have already told you about Dogwood’s overall requirements. But there is an exception with Cornus Alba or Tatarian Dogwood. This variety shows colorful stems in the winter & a balanced fertilizer is perfect for its exclusive ornamental show.
Anyway, the best formula is to test the soil & match the report with Dogwood requirements. After that, you will get particular nutrients to look for.
Step 2:
Make a list of 5-10 top fertilizers that match the demands most. Or just go through my list.
Step 3:
Shorten the list by taking selective decisions for the following issues-
- Organic or Synthetic?
- Granular, Liquid, or Spike fertilizer?
- Slow-release, Instant feeding, or both?
Choose organic or synthetic as you prefer but do not comprise the nutrients. On the other hand, granular & liquid fertilizer is best for Inground Dogwoods & spikes for containers. But it’s not a hard & fast rule. Pick as you please.
And finally, for young Dogwoods, choose instant feeding or fertilizer that is both slow & instant releaser. But for mature trees, slow releasers are best.
Step 4:
By this time, you should have picked one. But if you are still in the dilemma, then look for a fertilizer that helps the soil too, such as enhance its fertility & microbial activity.
When To Fertilize Dogwood Trees?
Experienced Dogwood growers fertilize their plants twice a year. Once in March &, another one is in July. Scientists have also admitted that these are the best time of year to fertilize Dogwood trees. You may ask, why?
Well, after the winter, Dogwoods start emerging new leaves in March, & the blooming period is also coming ahead. Furthermore, in July, Dogwoods are already done with blooming for that year & produce buds for the next year. Thereby, Dogwoods need heavy feeding during these times.
How To Fertilize Dogwood Trees?
Fertilizing Dogwood trees is easy. All you have to do is a little measurement & apply. Normally, commercial fertilizers come in tree formations. These are- granular, liquid & spike.
For Granular Formation
- First of all, draw a drip line. Measure the drip diameter & trunk diameter(4-6″ above from soil)
- Generally, granular fertilizers are directed to apply according to trunk diameter or drip line diameter. So, read the label & measure the exact amount of granules.
- There are three ways you can apply granules. Firstly, you can sprinkle the granules evenly inside the drip line circle. Secondly, you can spread the granule following the drip line only. And thirdly, you can dig holes following the dripline by keeping a distance of 2-3 meters among them & pour granules into the holes.
- Finally, work on the soil slightly & water thoroughly.
For Liquid Formation
- Like the granular fertilizers, measure the dripline circle diameter & trunk diameter first.
- After that, follow the instructions & mix accordingly with the water.
- Apply the liquid near the base of the tree.
For Spike Formation
- Measure trunk diameter & drip line diameter.
- Take the exact number of spikes according to the direction & insert them following the drip line.
- After that, water thoroughly.
How To Take Care Of A Dogwood Tree?
Most gardeners make a common mistake. They think about caring when they need to revive their dying Dogwood tree. But that’s not the right way. Dogwoods need continuous care so that they never start dying in the first place. And for that, keep checking the following issues on & on-
Soil
Dogwoods love well-drained moist soil that also contains high organic matter. Acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.8 is what Dogwoods thrive on. So, whether it is in-ground & container, make sure that the soil is no less.
Sunlight
Partial sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day is perfect for Dogwoods. Gardeners often adjust sunlight requirements by providing a temporary shade or moving the container to a comparatively sunny place.
Water
As I said earlier, Dogwoods love moist soil but they hate water-logged conditions. Plus, underwatering is not desired either. So, for better results, water at least one inch per week throughout the spring to summer.
Fertilizer
I have already mentioned the fertilizer. Follow the instructions & keep feeding your Dogwoods in March & July.
Insects & Pests
The common insects of Dogwoods are dogwood borer, dogwood club-gall midge, scales, etc. Along with these, Dogwoods are susceptible to anthracnose, leaf & flower blight, crown canker, powdery mildew, septoria leaf spot & so on.
However, to avoid these unwanted guests, don’t wait for them to visit. Use pesticides beforehand as a protective measure.
Cultural Operations
Three cultural operations are prominent for Dogwoods. Those are-
- Mulching
- Weeding
- Pruning
Mulching helps to keep the soil moist & enriched in organic matter. It also reduces weed growth, otherwise you may have to go for weeding too.
Furthermore, the Dogwoods bloom on the previous year’s growth. That’s why it is better to prune them just after the blooming period is over. Moreover, often gardeners accidentally damage Dogwood stems while mowing, which is quite destructive for the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Coffee Grounds Good For Dogwood Trees?
Yes! Why not? Coffee grounds help your Dogwood tree in four ways. It supplies several nutrients including a high amount of Nitrogen, acidifies the soil, works as an effective mulch to keep the soil moist & to check weed growth & finally, keeps snails & some other insects away.
Is Miracle Grow Good For Dogwood Trees?
Miracle-Gro Water Soluble Azalea, Camellia, Rhododendron Plant Food is perfect for acid-loving trees like Dogwood. It is a high nitrogenous fertilizer that supplies 8 other essential micro & macronutrients for the vigorous growth of Dogwood.
Is Epsom Salt Good For Dogwood Trees?
Yes, you can use it. The application rate is one cup per 100 square feet area surrounding the dogwood tree. It adds Magnesium & Sulfur to the soil which indirectly helps in beautiful spring blooms.
Is Bone Meal Good For Dogwood Trees?
Bone meal is good for initial soil preparation. It adds Phosphorus & Calcium to the soil that helps in abundant blooming & strong structural growth respectively. But an established Dogwood does not require much bone meal.
Do Dogwood Trees Like Acidic Soil?
“Like” is a light word here. Dogwoods love acidic soil. They thrive in a soil pH range of 5.5-6.8. Such a pH range is necessary for the availability of the exact nutrients that Dogwoods are hungry for.
Final Words
There is a saying that trees don’t need much fertilizer. Neither I agree with this nor disagree. I believe trees do not need much but require exact fertilizer. The same goes for your Dogwoods too.
This article is a complete guide for you as it includes the 8 best fertilizer for your Dogwoods with descriptive reviews, buying guide & such others. I have put all my efforts in so that you can purchase the most fitted one & take good care of your Dogwoods.
Anyway, I haven’t compromised my research & thereby, presenting you the best. I expect you also won’t negotiate to care for your Dogwoods. Hope for the best. Happy gardening.