Cornus florida are native to North America and have been widely cultivated as ornamental trees, with many different varieties and cultivars having been developed, especially in the USA. In spring the sheer impact of these beautiful trees is almost without peer. They are worthy contenders for a position in any garden, large or small. Cornus florida Sweetwater is an older and well proven variety. The flowers, which face upwards and wreath the tops of the branches in spring, are rich pink and borne in great profusion. In autumn the leaves turn to an amazing display of reds and purples and abundant small strawberry like fruits cling to the branches. The fruits are inedible to humans but a great favourite with birds. A truly beautiful spectacle for both spring and autumn! Its slow growing and compact habit make it ideal for the smaller garden and it is often grown in a pot. Easy to grow in a full sun or semi shade location, in a fertile, moist, acidic to neutral soil. These will not thrive in chalky soils. In pots use a good quality ericaceous John Innes compost as this plant will be there a long time and peaty types of compost eventually degrade, become too packed and choke the roots. Ensure you feed regularly as a hungry plant is a poor performer. We recommend Osmoscote pro 8-9 month applied in the early spring. One application gives all the nutrients the plant requires for the whole year. John Innes is a soils based compost. Deer resistant. These plants are grafted to ensure a good quality and long lived plant.