On Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:46:43 -0400, Frank
wrote:

On 4/28/2011 1:39 PM, Ig.Gardener wrote:
I've read that Dogwoods don't do well in the deeper, more shaded parts,
but there are so many that are actually doing quite well deep in my
woods. Maybe the fact that it's all hilly helps them get more sun than
they normally would or maybe I'm just lucky!
I actually did know that about butterfly bushes and I have two. I have
also read that many of the butterflies in Virginia like Violets and
Thistles, both of which I'm not sure I want to add since I've heard
they're invasive, especially Thistles. Any other suggestions on plants
that could be host plants or feeding plants? It's a partial shade area,
as you can imagine I have very little full sun.




We have not really tried to attract butterflies but I'm getting to like
the butterfly bushes as they are one thing the deer don't eat. The
butterfly's feed on the nectar. Not sure what more they would need.

We had a lot of wild dogwoods when we first moved in and I tried to move
three out front and first two died when I determined I needed much
larger root ball. Now the wild ones are dying off due to increased shade.

I consider dogwood temporary trees, even under the most ideal
conditions they don't live much longer than 40 years. Just when they
achieve their most spectacular configuration and you're used to having
them around they up and die. Few understory trees live very long.
When I was younger I planted several dogwood, none outlived me. I
would never pay money to plant dogwood or sacrifice space for dogwood.
I would never plant a tree that can't outlive my children. I consider
your dogwood weeds.