A native of Korea and Japan, Kousa dogwood makes an excellent landscape tree and offers a long season of interest. Beginning in early summer, white bracts in sets of four (sometimes with pink tinges) surround tiny green flowers. These are followed by reddish fruit that resembles raspberries and attracts birds. Autumn color is a deep reddish purple. This species is resistant to dogwood anthracnose and has good cold hardiness. Grow as a specimen plant or in a woodland setting. It can be grown as a tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsBeautiful white bracts in spring are followed by red fruits and good autumn color. Disease resistant. Fruit attracts birds.
CareC. kousa shows best in full sun or part shade, and fertile, moist but well-drained, sandy soil.
PropagationSow seed in a seedbed in autumn, or stratify and sow in spring. Root greenwood cuttings in summer.
ProblemsNothing serious. C. kousa has resistance to the dogwood anthracnose that is affecting many other Cornus species. Also has better cold hardiness.
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- Genus : Cornus
- Plant Width : 10 to 15 feet
- Plant Height : 15 to 30 feet
- Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8
- Moisture : Adaptable
- Bloom Time : Early Summer, Summer
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Flower Color : Green, White
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Characteristics : Showy Fall Foliage
- Plant Type : Trees
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