Dogwood

About this plant

Cornus florida 'Kay's Appalachian Mist' is a stunning ornamental tree known for its distinctive variegated leaves. Each leaf is edged with creamy white, providing season-long visual interest that sets it apart from traditional dogwoods. In spring, it bursts forth with an abundance of large, showy white bracts, creating a breathtaking display that announces the arrival of warmer weather. Beyond its early season beauty, this cultivar offers multi-season appeal. As autumn approaches, the foliage takes on beautiful pink and purple hues, offering a rich tapestry of color before the leaves drop. Its elegant branching structure provides architectural interest even in winter, making it a garden favorite year-round. 'Kay's Appalachian Mist' is perfect as a specimen tree in smaller gardens or as an eye-catching accent in larger landscapes. It thrives in conditions that mimic its woodland origins and provides excellent value with its enduring beauty and manageable size.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soil. Protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates. Mulch seasonally to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Prune only to remove dead or crossing branches after flowering.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.