{"product_id":"dogwood-constellation","title":"Dogwood, Constellation","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTree Care:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlanting:\u003cbr\u003eLocation: Prefers partial shade (dappled sunlight) but can handle full sun if kept well-watered. It thrives in organically rich, acidic, well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProcess: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball. Since dogwoods have shallow roots, ensure you don't plant it too deep; the top of the root ball should be slightly above the soil line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering:\u003cbr\u003eMoisture Needs: Dogwoods have relatively shallow root systems and do not like to dry out. Provide 1 inch of water per week, increasing during summer droughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMethod: Water at the base of the tree. Avoid getting water on the leaves to minimize any risk of leaf spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFertilizing:\u003cbr\u003eTiming: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTip: If your soil is naturally rich and you mulch with compost, you may not need much supplemental fertilizer at all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning:\u003cbr\u003eStyle: Minimal pruning is required. This hybrid naturally maintains a very tidy, attractive shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintenance: Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased wood in late winter or early spring. You can also thin out the lower branches if you prefer a \"clear trunk\" look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePest and Disease Control:\u003cbr\u003eThe \"Pro\" Factor: 'Constellation' is highly resistant to Dogwood Anthracnose and Powdery Mildew, which are the two biggest killers of native dogwoods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonitoring: While tough, keep an eye out for borers in the trunk, especially if the tree becomes stressed by drought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWinter Care:\u003cbr\u003eRoot Protection: A 2–3 inch layer of mulch (bark or leaf mold) is essential to protect the shallow roots from temperature swings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHydration: Ensure the tree is well-hydrated going into the first hard freeze of winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Description:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAppearance:\u003cbr\u003eFlowers: Prolific, large, creamy-white bracts (which look like petals) that appear in late spring. The blooms are so dense they often completely obscure the branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFruit: Unlike many dogwoods, 'Constellation' is sterile, meaning it produces little to no fruit—perfect for those who want the beauty without the \"mess\" on the sidewalk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFoliage:\u003cbr\u003eSummer: Deep, leathery green leaves that look healthy even in the summer heat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFall: Transforms into a spectacular display of reddish-purple to burgundy foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShape and Growth:\u003cbr\u003eHabit: It has a more upright, columnar growth habit than other dogwoods, eventually broadening into a beautiful oval shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSize: Reaches a mature height of 15–20 feet with a spread of about 12–15 feet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdaptability:\u003cbr\u003eHardiness: Very vigorous and adaptable. It bridges the gap between the early-blooming native dogwoods and the later-blooming Kousas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLandscape Use:\u003cbr\u003ePlacement: An ideal specimen tree for smaller yards, near patios, or as a focal point in a woodland garden. Because of its upright nature, it works well in tighter spaces where a spreading tree might be too wide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Freedom Tree Farms","offers":[{"title":"3G","offer_id":52261079744795,"sku":"C00001060","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5G","offer_id":52268428132635,"sku":"C00001058","price":21.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/freedomtreefarms.com\/products\/dogwood-constellation","provider":"Freedom Tree Farms","version":"1.0","type":"link"}