{"product_id":"dogwood-apache","title":"Dogwood, Apache","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTree Care:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlanting:\u003cbr\u003eChoose a location with full sun to partial shade. In hotter southern climates, afternoon shade is highly beneficial to prevent leaf scorch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDig a hole twice the width of the root ball and to the same depth. Prefers moist, organically rich, and slightly acidic soils that drain exceptionally well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eProvide deep, regular watering 1–2 times a week during the first few growing seasons to establish a resilient root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain consistent soil moisture; dogwoods have a shallow root system and do not tolerate prolonged drought or completely dried-out soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilizing:\u003cbr\u003eApply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for acid-loving trees in early spring before new growth begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid over-fertilizing with heavy nitrogen, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of spring blossoms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning:\u003cbr\u003eRequires very minimal pruning due to its naturally balanced growth habit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf necessary, prune in late winter or very early spring while the tree is completely dormant to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid late spring pruning to preserve the flower buds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePest and Disease Control:\u003cbr\u003eExhibits better vigor and resilience than older red dogwood varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStill, monitor for common dogwood issues like powdery mildew, spot anthracnose, or dogwood borers. Ensure good air circulation through the canopy and clear away fallen autumn debris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter Care:\u003cbr\u003eApply a 3-to-4-inch layer of organic wood mulch or shredded bark over the root zone in late autumn to insulate the shallow roots from freezing temperatures. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Description:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppearance:\u003cbr\u003eErupts in early-to-mid spring with an exceptionally heavy set of large, eye-catching, deep rose-red to rich pink blossoms (bracts) that can measure up to 5 inches across.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowed in autumn by clusters of small, shiny, bright red berries that serve as an excellent, non-sticky food source for songbirds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage:\u003cbr\u003eLeaves emerge with a beautiful bronze-green to yellow-green tint in the spring before maturing into a rich, deep forest green for the summer months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn autumn, the canopy transforms into a spectacular, long-lasting display of glowing crimson, rusty brick-red, and deep purple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShape and Growth:\u003cbr\u003eFeatures a strong, upright central leader that sets it apart from more unruly cultivars, developing a neatly rounded to flat-topped canopy with maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisplays the classic, elegant horizontal branching habit that creates a visually striking, layered architectural effect. Matures at a highly manageable 15–20 feet tall and wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBloom Characteristics:\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped as a superior, improved selection of the classic 'Cherokee Chief' lineage. The massive blooms are true-to-color, holding a rich, uniform deep red-pink tone that completely blankets the naked branches before the summer leaves expand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptability:\u003cbr\u003eExtremely reliable and hardy across USDA Zones 5–9. It adapts beautifully as an understory tree or a woodland-edge specimen, thriving easily in shaded residential landscapes where larger trees provide dappled light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Use:\u003cbr\u003eA premier choice for a standalone front lawn specimen, patio accent tree, or focal point in a cottage garden. Its compact size, dramatic spring color, multi-toned autumn foliage, and wildlife-attracting winter berries provide massive four-season interest.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freedom Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"5G","offer_id":52268445335835,"sku":"C00002061","price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/freedomtreefarms.com\/products\/dogwood-apache","provider":"Freedom Tree Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}