Rutgers’ Dogwood Cornus x rutgersensis

The hybrid flowering dogwood is an artificial cross between the flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, and Kousa dogwood, Cornus kousa. Several cultivars are available including Aurora®, Constellation®, Stellar Pink® and Celestial®. These selections were developed by Elwin R. Orton, Jr of Rutgers University. The university's name is commemorated by the hybrid epithet. 

In the 1970s, our native flowering dogwood (C. florida) was severely afflicted by anthracnose and was also susceptible to dogwood borers. Dr. Orton crossed the two species in hopes of developing a hybrid that would be resistant. In the 1990s, he introduced the Stellar® Series (group). He also developed the fast-growing Hyperion® and Saturn®. These plants are known to be resistant to borers and anthracnose. 

Hybrid flowering dogwoods are best grown in full sun to partial shade and in organically rich acidic soils. They prefer moist and well-drained soil. Mulching keeps the roots moist and cool during the hot summer.

Depending on the cultivar the height, width, habit, and flower color may differ. The cultivars are sterile, except for Hyperion®, which produces fruits similar to those of C. kousa.

Below are the descriptions of several of the popular cultivars in the Stellar® group of cultivars.

• Aurora®: upright, showy creamy white overlapping flower bracts, 
• Celestial®: dense, upright habit, up to 20 feet tall and wide, dark green leaves that turn purplish red in the fall, blooms heavily, showy petal-like bracts emerge white tinged with green and mature to pink, small fruits are sterile
• Constellation®: low branching habit, up to 16 to 22 feet tall and 12 to 18 feet wide, oval dark green leaves that turn purplish red in the fall, large showy white petal-like bracts, produces no fruit.
• Ruth Ellen®: white bracts.
• Stardust®: white bracts.
• Stellar Pink®: dense, upright habit, 15 to 30 feet tall and wide; dark green leaves turn purplish red in the fall; showy, pink petal-like bracts; sterile and produces no fruit

These hybrids are popular for home lawns and patios. They are attractive trees with showy flowers and would serve well as a specimen or in a small grouping. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Leafminers and scale are less serious potential insect pests. These hybrids are resistant to anthracnose and dogwood borers.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.