Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #381321 in Books
• Published on: 2005-03-10
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 2.18 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

From Booklist
The dogwoods comprise a varied group of trees and shrubs. The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is the most familiar; it's an extremely graceful tree with horizontal branches that tilt upward at the ends. Amazingly enough, dogwoods have thrived since the time of the dinosaurs and have spread over most of the Northern Hemisphere. Beneath each species, Cappiello and Shadow alphabetically arrange the plant's cultivars, forms, and varieties, describing their height and the color of their flowers, stems, and leaves. There is information on their growth habits, foliage, flowers, fruit, bark, breeding and selection, and insect and disease problems. And this wealth of information is accompanied by 238 stunning color photographs. George Cohen
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Review
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 (Seattle Times )

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 (Horticulture )

A ground-breaking and worthy text.Dick Bir, American Gardener, September/October 2005 (American Gardener )

About the Author
Paul is highly regarded as a teacher, writer, garden designer, and gardener. He is known locally, nationally, and internationally for his 20 years of research of cold tolerance, propagation, nursery production, and work on selection, introduction, and evaluation of new ornamental plants. He routinely presents lectures across the country to gardeners, college classes, horticultural professionals, and academic audiences. His work has appeared in over 100 publications. Paul and his wife, Carolyn, and son, Christopher, live in Louisville, Kentucky.