Yes, they are finicky. Yes, they are prone to disease. And yes, there is simply nothing else like them in the landscape. If there's a small tree to die for, this is simply the one. Architectural, horizontal branching, brilliant and delicate white petals. Every spring, in DC's Rock Creek Park, they emerge airy and ghost-like, dispersed throughout the woods, lasting only a fleeting week or two. This native American tree has been weakened
in its native setting throughout the East, the Midwest, and the South by drought and cold cycles, which have made them susceptible to disease. However, if it's planted in part shade and in moist, evenly draining, acidic soil -- it should do just fine.
Cornus florida is perfect for small yards, near patios, and you'll never tire of it's elegant appearance. Red berries appear in fall, as the leaves begin turning red as 
well, and the bark eventually takes on the appearance of rough rectangular blocks, attractive throughout the winter. Dogwoods come in pink, as well -- but don't plant them against a brick house as the background. Dogwoods get about 20 feet high and wide, Zones 5-9.
The Kousa Dogwoods of Asian origin flower a little later and are not susceptible to disease. The blooms are white, with pointed, rather than rounded edges, but they don't have that distinctive dogwood form. They, too, are pretty -- but why not just plant a real dogwood?
(click on images for larger view)
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