In zone 5, when do Dogwood flower buds form?

Question

I have a 'Cherokee Brave' Dogwood I planted last year, around September. The tree was planted in a composted loam with Espoma 5-3-3 + Mychorrizae. The tree was budded heavily and bloomed nicely this spring.

The tree was deep watered almost daily through November, and resumed in April at 2x minimum per week. It was fed Hollytone in May and has been fed once with Miracle Gro, once with Miracle Gro/Superthrive, and once with Pete's Professional and Superthrive.

I am getting nice shoot growth and fruit has started to form, but now I am concerned that I have not seen any flower buds yet.

The tree is planted in a partly sunny location.

Any advice as to when I should see some flower buds?

Answer 1

I have a Cherokee Brave Dogwood also and I am in Zone 5 too.  I planted my tree in regular dirt and left it do its thing and it has been blooming ever since.  You seem to be very knowledgeable with planting so I wouldn't worry, I'm sure it will be beautiful next year too.