Cornus kousa Scarlet Fire (Kousa Dogwood)

Prized for its unique, rich fuchsia flowers, Cornus kousa Scarlet Fire (Kousa Dogwood) is a small deciduous tree with four seasons of interest. In spring, a profusion of deep pink to fuchsia, star-shaped flowers, 4-5 in. across (10-12 cm), cover the tree, creating a striking floral show. Lasting 6-8 weeks, their non-overlapping and pointed bracts give them a very distinct shape that, along with their striking color, sets this dogwood apart from other Kousa dogwoods. The blossoms give way to large pinkish-red, strawberry-like fruit in summer, which persist into fall unless devoured by hungry birds. Its canopy of layered branches, clad with ovate, dark green leaves with purple tinges in new growth, provides shade and beauty in summer. In the fall, it offers spectacular bright color when its foliage turns attractive shades of red and orange. In winter, its exfoliating, mottled, tan and gray bark adds interest to the landscape. Noted for its disease and pest resistance and cold and heat tolerance, plant this flowering tree as a specimen or in small groupings for a dramatic effect. This Kousa Dogwood cultivar was developed in 2016 at Rutgers University.

• Grows up to 20-25 ft. tall (6-8 m) and 15-20 ft. wide (4-6 m). This tree grows at a medium rate, adding 12–24 in. per year (30-60 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade, in organically rich, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. Provide consistent moisture during hot summers.
• Easy to grow, easy to care for, deer resistant.
• This Dogwood naturally forms a well-branched framework and requires little or no pruning.
• Great choice as a specimen near patios or in lawns, in shrub borders, woodland gardens, or naturalized areas.
• Dogwoods are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases.
• Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting.
• Cornus kousa species is native to Japan, Korea, and China