Eddie’s White Wonder

About the Plant: Eddie’s White Wonder Dogwood

‘Eddie’s White Wonder’ Dogwood is a hybrid of the Pacific Northwest native dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) and the Eastern dogwood (Cornus florida). Discovered in 1945 by Vancouver nurseryman Henry M. Eddie, it has been commercially propagated since 1955. Known for its prolific, large white blossoms, this tree offers year-round visual interest.

Features

• Large, striking white flowers (over 4 inches in diameter) composed of 4–6 rounded, overlapping bracts
• Dark green foliage that turns brilliant red in fall
• Small red winter fruits that attract birds such as robins, mockingbirds, and cedar waxwings
• Upright, pyramidal form with slightly pendulous branches
• Grows to about 25 feet tall with a 15–20-foot spread
• More resistant to anthracnose and easier to grow than its parent species

Growing Conditions

• Thrives in partial shade but tolerates full sun with adequate summer watering
• Prefers well-drained, acidic soils rich in organic matter
• Requires evenly moist soil but will not tolerate standing water
• Flowering depends on the previous summer’s weather; long, hot summers yield magnificent blooms

Maintenance

• Low-maintenance; prune only after flowering to preserve blooms
• Thin branches carefully to enhance horizontal branching; avoid improper pruning that disrupts the layered effect
• Remove crossing limbs during flowering and use cut branches for indoor decoration

Landscaping Ideas

• Ideal as a specimen tree in a prominent corner of the yard
• Pairs well with Lily-of-the-valley shrub (Pieris japonica), variegated holly, and evergreens
• Complement with bold Hosta plants as a ground cover and living mulch

Seasonal Interest

• Spring: Beautiful white flowers
• Summer: Attractive, healthy foliage
• Fall: Brilliant red berries and vivid autumn foliage
• Winter: Picturesque horizontal branching pattern