Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cornus kousa var. chinensis (Chinese Dogwood)

Chinese Dogwood, Chinese Kousa Dogwood


Cornus kousa var. chinensis (Chinese Dogwood) is a small, broadly conical, deciduous flowering tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub with 4 seasons of interest. In spring, a heavenly array of star-like blooms appear. They consist of four ovate, pointed cream bracts which surround the center cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers. The blossoms give way to deep pink, strawberry like fruit in summer, which persist into fall, unless devoured by hungry birds. In summer, its canopy of layered branches, clad with ovate, dark green leaves, provides shade and beauty. In the fall, it offers spectacular bright color when its foliage turns attractive shades of reddish-purple to scarlet. In winter, its exfoliating, mottled, tan and gray bark adds interest to the landscape. Chinese Dogwood can be distinguished from the species by the slightly larger flower bracts, fruit, and leaves. Plant as a specimen or in small groupings for a dramatic effect.

  • Grows up to 15-30 ft. tall and wide (4-9 m).
  • Performs best in full sun to part shade, in organically rich, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils. Provide consistent moisture during hot summers.
  • Generally pest free, this plant may be affected by cornus anthracnose diseases.
  • Easy to grow, easy to care for, deer resistant.
  • Chinese 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.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting.
  • Native to China.

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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 Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Ole Schoener, Peter Turner Photography, Shutterstock

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 Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Great Plant Combination Ideas with Cornus - Dogwoods

Guides with Cornus - Dogwoods

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