Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'China Girl' (Chinese Dogwood)

Chinese Dogwood 'China Girl', Chinese Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa 'China Girl'


Prized for its 4 seasons of interest, Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'China Girl' (Chinese Dogwood) is a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a broad, vase-shaped crown. In late spring, a wonderful array of star-like blooms appear. They consist of four very large, pointed, milky white bracts which surround the center cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers. The blossoms give way to a profusion of fleshy, 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 red and orange. In winter, its exfoliating, mottled, tan and gray bark adds interest to the landscape. Cultivated since around 1910, this Chinese Dogwood cultivar is still very popular. Plant as a specimen or in small groupings for a dramatic effect.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (450-750 cm) and 12-15 ft. wide (360-450 cm).
  • 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.
  • 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' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m)
Spread 12' – 15' (3.6m – 4.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Fruit & Berries
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Birds, Butterflies
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Gardens by Design, 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' – 25' (4.5m – 7.5m)
Spread 12' – 15' (3.6m – 4.5m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, 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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