Gardening and Horticulture - chinese dogwood

My chinese dogwood has leaves that curl. There aren't any visible pests. It is located on the southwest corner of my house and gets direct sun 10-14 hours a day. Watering and fertilizer (12-12-12) doesn't seem to help. Could it be getting too much water? Every year I am getting more dead limbs in it. I've had it for two years now and only the west side of hte tree flowers. Help--I like this tree!

Hi Linda,

Have you called a nursery or tried your county extension agent? Something needs prompt attention if you're losing limbs.

I'm not saying this is your problem, but Japanese dogwoods and some others require acidic soil. Find out what the soil requirements are and have your soil tested if you haven't done that yet. I didn't find anything when I searched for Chinese dogwoods. Nor did I find anything about leaf curl when checking on other dogwoods.

Gami

The Chinese dogwood was first introduced to this country in 1875. It prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil. These trees can reach 20-30 feet. Discula destrictiva, a fungus that causes Discula anthracnose which causes leaf and bract symptoms and branch die back and eventual death. The die back begins with the lower branches and will continue until there are only a few branches left at the top. Once the disease has advanced to bark where it develops cankers, there is little that can be done although determined gardeners cut out the cankers. The disease is more common in higher elevation areas where cool, wet conditions persist. Dogwoods should not be planted where wet conditions persist such as near streams, ponds, or in areas where there tends to be standing water. Although dogwoods are understory trees, trees in shaded areas are more susceptible. Water with soaker hose, not sprinkler in order to avoid prolonged leaf wetness. Mulch, but do not allow mulch to touch bark because mulch will keep the bark wet. Use low nitrogen fertilizer, as high nitrogen will stimulate succulent growth that is more susceptible to disease. Remove cankered branches immediately and destroy. Remove fallen leaves immediately and do not compost. You will need to use a fungicide specifically for this disease. Pruning tools need to be disinfected with alcohol or bleach after using. Spores are spread by splashing rain. The disease can spread to other dogwoods in the landscape. Contact your local Dept. of Agriculture Extension Agent for information on foliar diseases of dogwoods and recommendations in your area for fungicides and a treatment schedule. A local nursery is also a good source of information. Good luck.