Pink Dogwood Not Blooming: Nitrogen vs. Phosphorus Balance

An 8‑year‑old pink dogwood grows well but hasn’t bloomed in 2–3 years. Tree spikes (15‑10‑9) feed nitrogen, promoting leaves over flowers. Switch to a bloom‑booster fertilizer (e.g., 5‑30‑5) with high phosphorus. Ensure half‑day sun. Prune only right after flowering (or after neighboring dogwoods bloom) to avoid removing next year’s buds. Water 1 inch weekly. Granular or liquid fertilizer scattered around the drip line is better than spikes, which can burn roots.