Kousa Dogwood | Cornus var chinensis 'Kousa'
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Kousa Dogwood is a deciduous tree that grows 15 - 30 feet tall and wide and is truly a showstopper in the landscape all year. It gains new leaves each spring and flowers in late spring or early summer. It produces fruit in late summer and throughout the fall. It also changes foliage color in the fall and exfoliates its bark in the winter. Each season, the Kousa displays a new element of beauty.
It is slow growing, taking 10 to 15 years to reach maturity, so it is a great small specimen for many years. It can be used like a shrub in its younger years because it grows up and out in a vase shape. As it matures, it begins branching and filling out. The branches grow horizontally, giving this tree a pyramid shape.
The Kousa Dogwood is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is a close relative of the North American dogwood. The name kousa is the Japanese name for this tree. Unlike the native variety of dogwood, blooms appear after this deciduous tree’s leaves grow. The flowers bloom in late spring, ranging in color from white to light pink. The blooms are long lasting, remaining for up to a month, because they are bracts, which are a form of leaf, instead of petals.
The blooms sit atop the foliage, so the dark green leaves create a lovely backdrop or bed for the flowers. There are four pointed bracts in each bloom; they look like small stars and seem just as numerous as the tree covers in blooms. The Kousa Dogwood’s blooms appear a month later than other dogwoods, so the varieties are a great paired in the landscape for a succession of blooms.
In late summer and into the fall, the Kousa Dogwood produces berries or “drupes” with a similar appearance to raspberries or wild strawberries. The fruit grows green, then develops into a rich red-pink hue. It is safe to eat, so there are no concerns with pets or children tasting them. The berries have a similar flavor to a ripe persimmon, and some people make jams and wine from the berries. The berries also attract birds to the garden. In the fall, the leaves transform to a burgundy color for several weeks, and as winter approaches, the bark exfoliates and shows multiple layers and tones. This tree is truly a year-round beauty.
Kousa Dogwood is cold hardier and less susceptible to diseases than its North American counterpart, making it a lower maintenance tree. It has minimal pruning needs; it only needs light pruning as it grows to shape it, remove dead or injured limbs, and keep good ventilation between branches. It should not be topped, as this will stunt and injury the tree.
It grows in zones 5 – 8 and resists diseases, pests, and deer. It lives at least 50 years and can live up to 150 years. It does best in full sun or partial sun, preferring some light shade in the afternoon. It thrives in acidic, well-drained soils with moderate watering and good air circulation. Mulch will help protect the roots and retain moisture. This tree is attractive as a specimen, near a patio, or as part of a border accent. From its plentiful blooms and red-pink berries to its rich fall colors and exfoliating bark, it is sure to be a star in the landscape throughout the year.
Care
Fertilize in early spring with our HICOTE 360 day slow release fertilizer for maximum growth and plant health.
Ordering
Orders taken after 4:00 pm on Wednesday through Sunday will be shipped the following Monday – Wednesday. We do not want your order to sit in a warehouse or on a truck over the weekend.
Shipping
The Plant Factory, Inc. offers the very best shipping processes to ensure quick, safe, and near-perfect results every time. Cold and heat may deter your order temporarily until it is safe to receive and plant your plants/trees in your area. At our discretion, we will hold order till the threat is gone ensuring you with the healthiest-viable product ordered.
Summer - Above 95 degrees | Winter - Below 34 degrees
Plant Highlight
● Growing Zone: 5 – 8
● Plant Brand: The Plant Factory Choice
● Botanical Name: Cornus kousa var. chinensis ‘Kousa Dogwood’
● Foliage Color: Green
● Flower Color: White to light pink
● Flower Fragrance: Floral, honeyed fragrance
● Fall Color: Burgundy
● Type: Deciduous
● Mature Height: 15 – 30 feet
● Mature Width: 15 – 30 feet
● Growth Rate: Slow
● Exposure: Full Sun or Partial Sun
● Soil Needs: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil
● Water Needs: Low to moderate water once established
● Pruning Needs: Light pruning only. Remove dead or damaged branches at any time of the year, and trim for shape after the tree flowers.
● Awards: Winner of the Cary Award
● Grown by: The Plant Factory
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes
- Deer Resistant: Yes
- Pet Friendly: No
- Reblooming: No
- Cold and Heat Tolerant: Yes
Note: We put pictures and videos on our site to best represent our products, as an example of our quality as a grower. You may, however receive a smaller or larger plant than pictured depending on the season you buy. You may or may not get a plant blooming as shown on our site. We usually trim off blooms because they do not ship well. Your purchase of our plants should be considered an investment in your future garden and enjoy the process of growing it to its full potential.
