Dogwood, Dwarf Flowering

Cornus florida 'Suwanee Squat'

$28.00 Sold out

| Hardiness Zones 7-9

‘Suwanee Squat’ is no ordinary flowering dogwood. This rare, low-growing selection of Cornus florida was discovered by plantsman Bob Simons in Suwannee County, Florida, and proudly introduced by Woodlanders. Unlike the upright form most folks know, this one hugs the ground and spreads wide—more of a graceful sprawl than a stately rise. It’s almost prostrate in habit, making it a perfect choice for cascading over a wall, softening a slope, or creating a layered woodland edge.

Come spring, it offers the same beloved white dogwood blooms—four-petaled and creamy, with that quiet Southern beauty we all know and love. But it’s the form that sets ‘Suwanee Squat’ apart: broad, architectural, and wholly unexpected. It’s a true collector’s plant, but also a fine choice for anyone looking to bring structure and softness to shaded spaces.

As with all flowering dogwoods, plant in partial shade, in rich, well-drained soil. Avoid planting too deep—dogwoods prefer to sit high, their root flares just kissing the soil line. Native to the eastern United States, Cornus florida is deeply woven into our forest edges and garden memories, and this unique form adds a fresh page to that old story.

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Grown for Success
Propagated at Woodlanders

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Shipping
Expertly packed & shipped in 2-4 biz days

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 7 - 9
  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 4 - 6 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 12 - 18 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Deciduous
Flower/Foliage

Flowers:
In early spring, ‘Suwanee Squat’ opens with the classic blooms of the Eastern flowering dogwood—four broad, creamy white bracts that surround a cluster of tiny true flowers at the center. These blooms are held just above the low-spreading branches, creating a layered, horizontal display that glows against the woodland floor. The effect is subtle but unforgettable, like scattered handkerchiefs across the understory.

Foliage:
The leaves emerge shortly after flowering—simple, oval, and softly pointed, with pronounced veins and a rich mid-green color. As summer fades, the foliage takes on warm tones of red, burgundy, and bronze, adding another season of interest. The leaves sit low to the ground on the plant’s wide, spreading limbs, creating a graceful, ground-hugging canopy that mirrors the shape of native woodland dogwoods, but in miniature and close to earth.

White, spring
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.