Cornus florida 'First Lady'

Common Name:
Dogwood – Cornus florida 'First Lady'

Description:
Cornus florida 'First Lady' is a highly ornamental deciduous dogwood prized for its variegated foliage and classic spring flowers. In early to mid-spring, this compact tree is adorned with soft white floral bracts, creating a clean and elegant display. The standout feature of 'First Lady' is its attractive foliage — green leaves edged with creamy yellow margins that provide visual interest from spring through autumn. As the seasons shift, the foliage takes on soft pink to burgundy tones, enhancing its year-round appeal. Perfect for Melbourne’s climate, 'First Lady' prefers a position in full sun to part shade with well-drained, humus-rich soil. It is a superb choice for small feature gardens, courtyards, or woodland-inspired plantings where its foliage and flower combination can truly shine.

Form:
Tree – Small
Tree – Medium

Mature Size:
Height: 4–5 m
Width: 3–4 m

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring

Flower Colour:
White

Key Attributes:
Spectacular Flower Display
Variegated Foliage
Deciduous
Autumn Foliage Colour
Cold Hardy
Compact Form
Low Maintenance
Feature Tree

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and animals

Companion Plants:
Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief'
Magnolia 'Elizabeth'
Syringa meyeri ‘Josee’
Daphne odora
Liriope ‘Evergreen Giant’