Species Chinese dogwood
White flowers with pale-green center and green leaves with lime-green veins and midribs on lime-green stems

Chinese dogwood

Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Milky Way'

The Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Milky Way') is an amazing tree species with many features that make it unique. This tree has large curved leaves and a unique open branching pattern. It produces a beautiful show of white flowers in the spring that fades to pink. The tree is also covered in clusters of red, white and pink fruits that look like raspberries in the fall. These fruits are edible and high in antioxidants. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and is great for landscaping around your home. The Chinese dogwood is an amazing species for adding beauty and style to your outdoor area.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Creamy white bracts Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water Chinese dogwood regularly for the first 2 years of its life, providing 1–2 inches of water per week. During extended drought periods, water more frequently to help ensure that the soil remains moist. The frequency of watering should be decreased gradually over time, transitioning eventually to deep watering every 2–3 weeks. Over watering can lead to root rot and fungal diseases.

sunlight

Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Milky Way') prefers to be in sunlight for part of the day, such as a few hours in the morning when the sun is at its lowest and the light is the least intense. This should be followed by some afternoon shade as the sun gets hotter. If planted in an area where there is direct sunlight all day, providing some shade in the afternoon will protect the plant from sunburn and other damage from the intense summer heat. During the winter months, the Chinese dogwood should get plenty of bright light, preferably 6 hours per day.

pruning

Chinese dogwood can be pruned in late winter or early spring (February or March). Prune off any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Also, to promote a bushier structure, lightly prune the new growth that appears in late spring or early summer. Avoid pruning too much as it can inhibit flower production. Chinese dogwood can also be pruned in the fall after it has finished flowering.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Milky Way' is in late summer, usually August or September.

Starts Flowering

Chinese dogwood typically starts flowering in late April or early May.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Milky Way' is in late summer, usually August or September.

Hardiness Map