Species Chinese dogwood

Chinese dogwood

Cornus kousa cvs.

Also Known As - kousa dogwood
Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa cvs.) is an ornamental shrub known for its showy flowering and textural foliage. It is a deciduous tree that produces white or pink flowers at the top of its multiple trunks every spring. Its growth habit is rounded and dense, and its petite, oval leaves turn bright crimson in late fall. Its gray bark and reddish-purple fruit capsules create a beautiful contrast to its bright foliage. This adaptable species can grow in both shady and sunny locations, though it does best in partial shade. It is an easy to care for plant and a great addition to any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5

Flowers:

Showy, Pink, White, (certain cvs have pink bracts (e.g. C. Satomi)) Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun only if soil kept moist, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa cvs.) needs to be watered on a regular basis during its growing season from spring through early autumn. Water when the top 2 or 3 inches of soil feel dry. If the soil is too wet or too dry the plant may not flower well. Water thoroughly, until the soil looks visibly moistened and drains freely from the pot. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings is best. Reduce watering frequency during the winter months.

sunlight

Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa cvs.) grows best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun means 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, while partial shade can be up to 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Depending on the time of year, the amount of sunlight received daily will vary. During the summer solstice, Chinese dogwood may receive as much as 10 to 14 hours of direct sun, while during the winter solstice it may only receive 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight. Additionally, the amount of sunlight received can be affected by tree canopy or nearby buildings that can provide shade. Therefore, when planning to plant Chinese dogwood, it is important to ensure that the area receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day.

pruning

Chinese dogwood should be pruned in late winter (February-March) each year. Pruning should be done selectively to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Low-growth shoots can be shortened to control shape, while larger-growth can be thinned out to encourage light and air circulation. Make sure to remove old flower heads to reduce disease transfer, and keep the center of the shrub open. Pruning can also be used to create new plantings or to control the size of the shrub.

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 cvs. (Chinese dogwood) is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Cornus kousa cvs. (Chinese dogwood) is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Hardiness Map