kousa dogwood

Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa 'Snow Tower') is a relatively low maintenance plant. This species requires regular watering to ensure that the plant stays healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season (spring to early fall). During the early spring and summer months, Kousa Dogwood should be watered once every week in order to keep the soil moist but not saturated. During the hottest times of the summer, the plant may need to be watered more frequently, such as twice a week or even every day, depending on the temperature and soil moisture levels. In the fall, as the temperatures cool down and rainfall increases, the frequency of watering should be reduced accordingly. The plant should receive about 1 inch of water per week, usually during periods of extended dry weather. In winter, Kousa Dogwood does not need any additional watering and should be allowed to go dormant.

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa 'Snow Tower') is best grown in sites that receive full sun to light shade, ideally 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended. Direct sun in the morning is generally preferred over afternoons because its foliage is less susceptible to sunscald and scorch. Additionally, Kousa dogwood benefits from afternoon shade in hot climates.

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa 'Snow Tower') should be lightly pruned after spring flowering, the best time for pruning is late winter or early spring. Pruning during the winter will allow you to remove dead or diseased wood, as well as to shape the shrub into its desired form. To maintain the size and shape of the shrub, it should be pruned no more than 1/3 of the total shoot length. Prune off dead or diseased wood and any suckers that may form. Remove branches that are crossing or overly twiggy. Be sure to remove any damaged or weak stems at ground level to help ensure healthy growth. For Kousa dogwood, prune to an outward-facing bud to ensure attractive form and fullness.