Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa)
KOR-nus KOO-sah
Genus:
Cornus
A native of Korea and Japan, Kousa dogwood makes an excellent landscape tree and offers a long season of interest. Beginning in early summer, white bracts in sets of four (sometimes with pink tinges) surround tiny green flowers. These are followed by reddish fruit that resembles raspberries and attracts birds. Autumn color is a deep reddish purple. This species is resistant to dogwood anthracnose and has good cold hardiness. Grow as a specimen plant or in a woodland setting. It can be grown as a tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Beautiful white bracts in spring are followed by red fruits and good autumn color. Disease resistant. Fruit attracts birds.
Care:
C. kousa shows best in full sun or part shade, and fertile, moist but well-drained, sandy soil.
Propagation:
Sow seed in a seedbed in autumn, or stratify and sow in spring. Root greenwood cuttings in summer.
Problems:
Nothing serious.
C. kousa has resistance to the dogwood anthracnose that is affecting many other Cornus species. Also has better cold hardiness.
Overview
Height
15 ft. to 30 ft.
Spread
10 ft. to 15 ft.
Growth Habit
Clumps
Growth Pace
Moderate Grower
Light
Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture
Adaptable
Maintenance
Moderate
Characteristics
Attracts Butterflies,
Showy Fall Foliage,
Showy Flowers
Bloom Time
Early Summer,
Summer
Flower Color
Green,
White
Uses
Beds and Borders,
Specimen Plant/Focal Point
Style
Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest
Fall Interest
Type
Trees