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Cornus kousa ‘Summer Gold’ (Dogwood)

Summer Gold Dogwood, Cornus 'Summer Gold'

Cornus Summer Gold, Summer Gold Dogwood, Variegated Dogwood, Variegated Kousa Dogwood, Cornus 'Summer Gold', Deciduous Shrubs, Foliage, Fall color, Winter color, shrub with berries, Flowering tree, red fruits
Cornus Summer Gold, Summer Gold Dogwood, Variegated Dogwood, Variegated Kousa Dogwood, Cornus 'Summer Gold', Deciduous Shrubs, Foliage, Fall color, Winter color, shrub with berries, Flowering tree, red fruits
Cornus Summer Gold, Summer Gold Dogwood, Variegated Dogwood, Variegated Kousa Dogwood, Cornus 'Summer Gold', Deciduous Shrubs, Foliage, Fall color, Winter color, shrub with berries, Flowering tree, red fruits

Suitable for small gardens, Cornus kousa ‘Summer Gold’ (Dogwood) is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree of upright spreading habit. In spring, a profusion of creamy-white flowers, or bracts, smother the tree, creating a striking floral show. Its uncrinkled, bright green variegated foliage with prominent golden yellow margins and pink highlights draws attention in summer. In the fall, the foliage turns flaming red. The size and length of interest make this variegated dogwood ideal for small spaces and containers.

  • Grows up to 7-8 ft. tall (210-240 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade in organically rich, well-drained soils. Provide consistent moisture during hot summers.
  • Great choice as a specimen near patios or lawns, in shrub borders as a hedge, or containers.
  • Easy to grow, easy to care for, deer resistant.
  • This Dogwood naturally forms a well-branched framework and requires little or no pruning.
  • Dogwoods are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases.
  • Cornus kousa species is 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.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
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 Cornaceae
Genus Cornus
Common names Kousa Dogwood, Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 7' - 8'
(210cm - 240cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cornus alternifolia Golden Shadows® (Pagoda Dogwood)
Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Flame’ (Bloodtwig Dogwood)
Cornus sanguinea Arctic Sun® (Bloodtwig Dogwood)
Cornus sericea Arctic Fire® Red (Redtwig Dogwood)
Cornus florida ‘Appalachian Spring’ (Flowering Dogwood)
Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Sunset’ (Flowering Dogwood)

Recommended Companion Plants

Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)
Sisyrinchium striatum (Pale Yellow-Eyed Grass)
Nigella damascena (Love-in-a-Mist)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Small Trees and Shrubs That Bloom In Winter
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
24 Types of Dogwood Trees and Shrubs
Dogwood Tree Facts You May Not Know
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Flowering Dogwood – Problems and Alternatives
Cornus (Dogwood) – What Is Wrong With My Tree?
Cornus (Dogwood) – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Cornus (Dogwood)
Dogwood Trees: Add Vibrant Beauty to Your Landscape
Trees with Four Seasons of Interest for Your Garden
Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest
Attractive Shrubs and Trees with White Fruits and Berries
Shrubs and Trees with Colorful and Distinctive Twigs in Winter
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
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 Cornaceae
Genus Cornus
Common names Kousa Dogwood, Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 7' - 8'
(210cm - 240cm)
Spread 3' - 4'
(90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 48" (120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cornus (Dogwood)
Guides with
Cornus (Dogwood)
Not sure which Cornus (Dogwood) to pick?
Compare Now

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