excerpt from Photo/History page for the Flowering Dogwood
Prox. 6 weeks or so & the Dogwood is growing, but I'm not sure he's very happy. He seems healthy..good color..new shoots opening, but I'm concerned about his "droopy" appearance. This might be "modus operandi" for this plant, but not having any experience with them, I have to conclude that Cornus Florida is not only finicky, but also "tender"..not a robust plant.
I have been told that they are as delicate as Japanese Maples & should be treated in much the same way. An 'understory' plant, he can't handle much direct sun & doesn't like wind.
In fact, I am going to grow him with the JP seedlings that are about the same age, or a little older. I will treat him going forward like a Japanese Maple & see if that makes a difference.