Cornus Venus (Dogwood) Problem - Ask Extension
My Cornus Venus Dogwood (a cross between Cornus Kousa and Cornus Nuttali) is suffering from some kind of disease or fungus. When planted last spring ...
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Cornus Venus (Dogwood) Problem #922555
Asked December 01, 2025, 11:23 AM EST
My Cornus Venus Dogwood (a cross between Cornus Kousa and Cornus Nuttali) is suffering from some kind of disease or fungus. When planted last spring it did great. During the summer the leaves hardened but stayed green. Now they are browning at the edges. It got adequate and appropriate water. Any ideas about what it is and how to treat it? Many thanks.
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Judith and thanks for your question and great pictures of your dogwood tree. According to Monrovia Gardening center this species needs:
"enriched, moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Apply a thick layer of mulch to keep root zone cool in summer. Protect from harsh sun in hot regions. Water
deeply, regularly during first growing season to establish root system; once established, prefers moist soil, but tolerates mild drought. Feed in early spring."
It looks like an environmental (heat? water?) issue to me, but as it is going to lose its leaves soon anyway, I would wait until spring and give it a dose of fertilizer then keep it watered next summer. If it has problems again, send more pictures but hopefully this will give it a chance to get established.
"enriched, moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Apply a thick layer of mulch to keep root zone cool in summer. Protect from harsh sun in hot regions. Water
deeply, regularly during first growing season to establish root system; once established, prefers moist soil, but tolerates mild drought. Feed in early spring."
It looks like an environmental (heat? water?) issue to me, but as it is going to lose its leaves soon anyway, I would wait until spring and give it a dose of fertilizer then keep it watered next summer. If it has problems again, send more pictures but hopefully this will give it a chance to get established.
