Hi, I’m Cornus florida rubra! I’ve had many siblings here on the flower farm, but sadly, not all of us made it. You see, I’m originally from Mexico and Eastern North America, so I’m not quite built for the tough Aussie climate. The harsh afternoon sun really doesn’t agree with me—it scorches my leaves! That’s why I’ve found this spot for myself, tucked away in the afternoon shade of the walnut trees. My journey here wasn’t easy—I was moved around in a big pot until I finally started sprouting buds. I learned from the tough lessons of the dogwoods before me, but now I’m settled in. One day, I hope to grow tall and proud, bursting with a beautiful display of pink!

Fun fact: Did you know that the beautiful pink flowers of the Cornus florida rubra aren’t actually the tree’s petals? What you’re seeing are modified leaves called bracts, which surround the true tiny flowers in the center! These bracts are what give the tree its stunning pink or reddish appearance, making it a showstopper in springtime!