Dogwood Flower: Meaning, Symbolism, and Colors

The Dogwood encompasses a genus that includes herbs, shrubs and trees (genus Cornus). In these categories of plants, some shrubs and trees produce flowers. These “flowering dogwood” plants generate tiny flowers with large bracts, resembling petals. The Dogwood family of plants belongs to East Asia, Europe and North America. Most of these plants and trees, grown primarily for their delicate flowers and multicolored twigs, have leaves that are beautifully variegated. The Dogwood plants creating flowers are grown in North America, parts of Mexico and in Europe. White Dogwood flowers emerge mainly from North America, whereas pink flowering Dogwood has its roots in Europe. This is the “cherry” variety of Dogwood. Nonetheless, both varieties occur in all regions where Dogwood is cultivated in the present day.

As people picture typical Dogwood plants, it’s the flowering varieties that come to mind. Dogwood flower meaning comes with the vision of white, red or pink floral looking plants. What you may see as these colorful petals are bracts that surround the minute Dogwood flower in the center. The Dogwood tree that these florets grow on is a deciduous tree, short in stature. Other groups of Dogwood florets are yellow and green (Japanese Dogwood), growing in a shrub or a tree. Currently, Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan host several of these trees. The flower category of the Dogwood tree and shrub has its origins in the breeding of these plants by gardeners all over the world. There is a constant movement to have more forms of the flower in different colors.

What Do Dogwood Flowers Symbolize?

Regarding the Dogwood flower and the symbolic meaning behind it, there is a religious undertone. The Dogwood flower meaning has its relation with many concepts, such as rebirth, purity, strength, durability and affection. These are the emotions and feelings associated with the flower. Nonetheless, the most crucial link of the Dogwood flower is that which it possesses with Christianity. This is central to its connection with all the concepts of rebirth, affection, strength, etc. The primary meaning that this flower is derived from is that of Christianity. This belief, prevalent for centuries, has had many individuals use the flower in religious ceremonies and rituals. The flower is also displayed at auspicious events and in religious places like churches. It is likely that Dogwood trees and shrubs, at least of the flowering type, present themselves in churchyards.

What Do the Various Colors of the Dogwood Flower Mean?

The hue of any flower mean an array of different things. Colors of lowers bring out meanings and human beings use these to denote feelings and emotions. Any given flower’s colors have an influence on the psyche and certain colors, such as red, for example, denote specific emotions like love and affection. Dogwood flowers come in many colors as they exist today, but not because these were originally intended. Several colors of the florets of the Dogwood have arisen mainly due to breeding. The original color of the flowering Dogwood is white. Nevertheless, different shades of Dogwood have become commonplace nowadays, and it is necessary to realize Dogwood flower meaning as it pertains to different flower hues. The common colors of Dogwood with essential meanings are highlighted below:

• White Dogwood – Symbolic of innocence, spirituality, peace and purity, white Dogwood is the typical example of the flower linked to Christianity. White is the perfect color that exemplifies all things pristine and pure. Flowering Dogwood that is white is often used to decorate the sites of baptisms and weddings.

• Pink Dogwood – Any color that is close to pink, for instance, red, is symbolic of love. Pink and red symbolize love and romance, besides adding a dash of color to a boring garden.

Interesting Facts and Characteristics of the Dogwood Flower

Every aspect of the Dogwood flowering plant has something to offer you. If you are interested in knowing more about Dogwood, from the low shrubs to the imposing trees, note the following facts:

• The genus of this plant contains over 45 various species.
• The most popular Dogwood flower is the white flower.
• Shrubs and bushes containing Dogwood flowers grow up to 3 meters high.
• Dogwood makes for a nice mix of garden shrubs or is planted individually with a sole flowering Dogwood variety.
• Out of the non-flowering Dogwood plants, the Siberian Dogwood is the most famous.
• In terms of the flowering Dogwood, the pink to purple varieties are slowly gaining fame all around the world. Significantly, Dogwood flower meaning when it comes to purplish flowers, is symbolic of royalty and wealth. Although not many individuals go in for this flower, you may want to as it stands out.
• Through decades of breeding, a new and unique variety of the flowering Dogwood has emerged. This is reminiscent of a plant with large white flowers, highly resistant to pests and diseases.
• The new and large white variety grows vigorously, and is called “Venus”. It needs space to grow and reaches a height of almost 6 meters if left uncut upon flowering.
• Any Asian variety of Dogwood is sensitive and requires more care than the usual white and pink varieties.

The Best Time to Gift Someone Dogwood Flowers

Whether you consider the Dogwood flower meaning or not, giving someone this plant, or rather seedlings to grow a new plant, is a good idea. As you have already learned, different colors have a range of meanings. Depending on the occasion, you can choose your gift of a bouquet accordingly. The best time to gift someone these flowers would be at a wedding, a birthday or at any event that demands their elegant beauty. The underlying message of the flower is that of reliability and purity of thought. This comes from the fact that the Dogwood plant could endure challenging conditions and sustain itself for long periods.