Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood)

Kousa Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Cornus japonica, Dendrobenthamia japonica, Benthamidia kousa, Benthamidia japonica


Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood) is a small, deciduous flowering tree or multi-stemmed shrub with 4 seasons of interest. In spring, a heavenly array of star-like blooms appear. They consist of four narrowly pointed white bracts which surround the center cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers. The blossoms give way to pinkish-red to red fruits in summer, which persist into fall, unless devoured by hungry birds. In summer, its canopy of layered branches, clad with oval, pointed, dark green leaves, provides shade and beauty. In the fall, it offers spectacular bright red color when its foliage turns attractive shades of purple and scarlet. In winter, its exfoliating, mottled, tan, and gray bark adds interest to the landscape.

Hardier and more disease resistant than Cornus florida, Cornus kousa is an excellent alternative to flowering dogwoods.

  • Grows with a vase-shaped habit when young, but becomes more rounded with age. This plant grows at a slow to medium rate and can reach 15-30 ft. high and across (4-9 m).
  • Winner of the Cary Award, which recognizes plants that are particularly adequate for New England, offer superior landscape appeal, and are winter hardy, and pest resistant. 
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade, in organically rich, medium moisture, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. Prefers average moisture, but is somewhat drought-resistant.
  • Generally pest free, this plant may be affected by cornus anthracnose diseases. 
  • Easy to grow, easy to care for, deer resistant.
  • Great choice as a specimen near patios or lawns, in shrub borderswoodland gardens, or naturalized areas.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting
  • Native to Japan, Korea, and China

Dogwood Trees: Add Vibrant Beauty to Your Landscape

Want to learn how to grow and care for a Dogwood tree like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these charming plants.Read More

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Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 5 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Cornus - Dogwoods
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m)
Spread 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

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123rf, Mrcus Harpur

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 5 – 8
Heat Zones 5 – 8
Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Cornus - Dogwoods
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m)
Spread 15' – 30' (4.5m – 9m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow, Traditional Garden

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cornus - Dogwoods

Guides with Cornus - Dogwoods

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