Mark A. Miller
Family
Cornaceae
Botanical Name
CORNUS kousa ssp. chinensis
Plant Common Name
Chinese Dogwood, Kousa Dogwood
General Description
Kousa dogwood is a deciduous small tree with a dense, spreading, horizontal branching habit. This subspecies is more floriferous and native to far eastern Asia and is grown for its creamy, white flower bracts that fade to pink with age. These floral bracts are pointed, surround the real central flowers and appear later in the spring than flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). The knobby, dull red fruit appear by early fall, attracting birds. Fall foliage is is a range from dark pink to red and maroon.
Plant the kousa dogwood in a well-drained fertile soil in full to partial sun. Give it room so that its spreading and shelf-like branches reach their fullest potential. Selected cultivars to note include 'Milky Way' which is a profuse bloomer, 'Satomi' has pretty pink bracts with purple fall foliage, 'Summer Stars' has long lasting blooms and maroon fall color, and 'Gold Star' is a more shrub-like plant with leaves of green and gold. 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' is a weeping tree form.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
15'-30' / 4.6m - 9.1m
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Width
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
China, Japan, Korea
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Light Green, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Pink, Burgundy, Crimson, Dark Red
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Bark Color
Tan, Sandy Brown, Sienna, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
