Springtime in Charleston!

My recent visits to Charleston, SC have been revealing little previews of what is to come. I have been noticing more and more azaleas, saucer magnolias, and camelias blooming, in addition to other flowering shrubs. I am sure it will only be another week or two before the city is exploding with color! I happened to catch this Cornus florida (Florida dogwood) in peak bloom, and thought I should share. Only a few days later it was already past its prime and beginning to brown. I was unable to get any detailed pictures because this tree was in a gated church yard, but hopefully I will get some up for a feature before the season is finished. One thing I have definitely noticed about the Florida dogwoods in this area, is that they seem to be much healthier and happier than those planted in Oregon. In Oregon it is rare to see a Cornus florida that is not stunted and afflicted with anthracnose, but it is no surprise given the cool, wet weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest. It is always refreshing to see such a potentially stunning plant in an appropriate climate/growing conditions.