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Cornus kousa - Flowering Dogwood

Cornus kousa
Kousa Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Chinese Dogwood

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Very pleased with my purchases.. Neck perfect that I received very quickly.. Young plants in good condition in 3 litre pots. Thank you..

Nadine, 11/10/2022

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This plant carries a 24 months recovery warranty

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Value-for-money
A small tree or large bush, highly ornamental with pure white flowering in spring and flamboyant autumn colours. It has a spreading habit, with beautiful branches that develop horizontally in distinct tiers, giving it an oriental style that would be particularly enhanced by a solitary planting, close to a terrace or the house. Hardy everywhere, robust and easy to grow, it is a perfect choice for a partially shaded corner in cool, rich, deep, well-drained and lime-free soil.
Height at maturity
6 m
Spread at maturity
4 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November
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Flowering time May to June
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Description

Cornus kousa, or Japanese dogwood, is a small tree or large bush that is highly ornamental with its abundant and generous pure white flowering in spring and the vibrant colours of its autumn foliage. It has a spread-out habit with beautiful branches that develop horizontally in distinct layers, giving it an oriental style that would be especially highlighted by planting it in isolation or in a mass planting alongside other acid-loving shrubs in a Japanese garden.

In April-May, the solitary flowers bear four large, thick, snow-white bracts arranged in flat stars, creating luminous carpets on sumptuous, shiny, dark green foliage that turns orange and then scarlet-red before falling in winter. Sturdy and easy to grow, it is a perfect choice for a partially shaded corner in cool, rich, deep, well-drained, and lime-free soil.

 

Cornus kousa is native to Japan, China, and Korea. Its striking silhouette, supported by layered and horizontal branches, gives it a very Japanese look. This species has a spreading habit, reaching about 6 m (19.7 ft) in height and 4 m (13.1 ft) in width after many years. Despite its slow growth, it is a sturdy and easy-to-grow shrub as long as it enjoys morning or evening sun that is not too scorching, and a well-drained, preferably fertile soil without lime.

Flowering takes place in May-June, even on plants aged 3 to 4 years. The bush is adorned with a multitude of large 'flowers', which are actually inflorescences. These are clusters of small true flowers, surrounded by 4 oval bracts with particularly pointed tips, arranged in star shapes, and pure white in colour. The flowers are arranged on the tree as if they were resting on the foliage. The flowers are followed by numerous, good-sized fruits, ranging in colour from pink to carmine-red. The fruits resemble strawberries. The higher the summer temperatures, the more abundant the fruiting. The fruits are edible, fleshy, with a sweet flavour, and add charm to this large shrub at the end of the season. The shrub has shiny dark green deciduous foliage that turns orange and then scarlet-red in autumn. The leaves are ovate, strongly veined, slightly closed, somewhat undulate along the edges, and they hang down. They measure between 5 cm and 8 cm (2 in to 3.1 in) long and are arranged opposite each other along the branches.

 

Cornus kousa thrives in continental climates, with marked summers and winters, but it also performs well in milder areas. In hot regions, it should be planted in a spot protected from the scorching sun, in consistently moist soil. It is still rare in gardens but very easy to grow once it has been carefully planted. It alone is a beautiful attraction and deserves to be planted in isolation, standing out in the middle of a lawn, for example. It will also be advantageous at the back of a bed composed of acid-loving plants or shrubs with staggered flowering or evergreen foliage. Plant it with, for example, oakleaf or paniculate hydrangeas, Japanese maples with purple foliage, snowberries, a Cercis, a Fothergilla, or a Tetradium daniellii, the bee tree.

Cornus kousa - Flowering Dogwood in pictures

Cornus kousa - Flowering Dogwood (Flowering) Flowering
Cornus kousa - Flowering Dogwood (Foliage) Foliage
Cornus kousa - Flowering Dogwood (Plant habit) Plant habit
Cornus kousa - Flowering Dogwood (Harvest) Harvest

Plant habit

Height at maturity 6 m
Spread at maturity 4 m
Habit Flat
Growth rate slow

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time May to June
Inflorescence Solitary
Fruit colour pink

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Cornus

Species

kousa

Family

Cornaceae

Other common names

Kousa Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Chinese Dogwood

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference1000802

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Planting and care

Originally from Japan, Korea, and China, Cornus kousa thrives in continental climates and temperate zones. Extremely cold temperatures during winter can result in absent or reduced flowering. However, this bush is very hardy and can withstand frost of at least -15° C (5° F). It tolerates sunny exposures in areas with moderately warm summers. In hot regions, it should be planted in a sheltered spot away from scorching sun.

It prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic or neutral, but it can tolerate some limestone in the soil. It can endure clay soils as long as it is protected from excessive moisture, especially in winter. Plant it in a deep hole lined with clay balls, coarse sand, or gravel to ensure good drainage if necessary, in a very compact soil. Any good, balanced, and soft garden soil is suitable. At planting, add compost and leaf soil. Mulching with pine bark will help maintain freshness and promote soil acidity.

Pruning is not obligatory but can be done at the end of winter to remove diseased or dead wood and crossing branches to maintain an attractive habit. During the first two years after planting, regular watering is necessary in summer, but afterwards, it can manage on its own.

Planting period

Best planting time March, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Back of border, Free-standing
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light)
Soil moisture Moist soil, Deep, well-drained, loose, rich in humus.

Care

Pruning instructions Pruning is not necessary, but it is possible to cut back the branches at the end of winter to encourage the growth of new vigorous shoots. It is also advisable to remove dead wood and crossing branches to maintain an attractive habit.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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