Dogwoods

Dogwood trees and shrubs are unquestionably among the superstars of the ornamental garden. Although cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) and common dogwood (C. sanguinea) have been grown in Europe since ancient times, it is only since the age of exploration in the 18th and 19th centuries that dogwoods from the New World and Asia have ascended to the high thrones of gardens, where their aristocracy remains unchallenged today. Given the huge popularity of dogwoods as garden plants, not to mention the hundreds of choice selections and hybrids that have come to prominence in recent decades, it is surprising that there has never been a horticultural book on the genus. Paul Cappiello fills this longstanding gap with this definitive treatment for gardeners and enthusiasts. Providing a solid overview of all dogwoods of horticultural merit, the author provides more than two hundred stunning photos to help with the daunting tasks of identification and plant selection. He provides helpful details on cultivation, combating pests and diseases, and the fundamentals of breeding and selection. Based on years of research, first-hand observation, and interviews with dozens of specialists and nurserypeople, Dogwoods is an unprecedented guide to the diversity of plants available in nurseries today. Written in engaging and informative prose, this book will be treasured by generations of gardeners.

Media reviews of this book:

"You'll find practical advice for growing dogwoods as well as a mind-blowing variety of them in [this] dauntingly thorough book."

—Valerie Easton, Seattle Times, May 19, 2006

"This long-needed work brings us up to speed on the latest and best cultivars emerging from dogwood breeding programs across the country and around the world."

—Horticulture, November/December 2005

"A ground-breaking and worthy text."

—Dick Bir, American Gardener, September/October 2005

"It is a well researched and complete text for professionals and homeowners."

—Joel M. Lerner, Washington Post, July 25, 2005

"A wonderful new book... [with] hundreds of pictures."

—Joan Lowell Smith, Newark Star-Ledger, May 15, 2005

Customer reviews of this book:

"Beautiful book, exceptional photos — a treasure to own."

—Sophia M. from Dobbs Ferry, New York, May 4, 2006

"Beautifully written!"

—Barbara T. from Summit, New Jersey, January 24, 2006

"Great reference, wonderful!"

—Carlee F. from Woodhull, New York, August 23, 2005

"Great reference, wonderful!"

—Carter F. from Woodhull, New York, August 23, 2005

"Arguably the first of its kind, at least in America, and long overdue. A most thorough and excellent treatment of the Genus Cornus."

—Charles H. from Kensington, Connecticut, July 25, 2005

Read more media and customer reviews

An excerpt from this book:

Dogwoods, as a group, belong to the taxonomic family Cornaceae. Historically, this family has included Cornus and other genera of familiar ornamentals such as Alangium, Aucuba, Davidia, Helwingia, and Nyssa, among numerous genera less familiar to gardeners. Current taxonomic treatments of the family include as few as one genus (Cornus) to as many as 17 genera. The number of Cornus species generally ranges from 45 to 65 depending on who holds the stage. Readers interested in sorting through this academic challenge are invited to start with the references at the back of the book ...

Read the whole excerpt