Kousa dogwood
Cornus kousa · Cornaceae
📷 Famartin · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around kousa dogwood and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- May to June, cream-white bracts
- Mature size
- 8 m tall, spreading habit
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -15 °C
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (Japan, China, Korea)
- Soil type
- Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cornus kousa fears root competition: plant nothing at its base. Thick mulch (8 cm) of fine organic matter maintains moisture and creates a protective microclimate at the base.
The common mistake
Growing it in soil that's too fertile or chalky: it will yellow or remain weak.
The pro's trick
Be patient: this tree is slow to establish (3-4 years), but once settled in, the white flowering in May-June becomes stunning.
Care
Sunlight
Kousa dogwood prefers a sunny to partly shaded position. Morning sun combined with afternoon shade in very hot climates suits it perfectly. Avoid areas that are too hot and dry in summer.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to encourage root establishment. Subsequently, moderate watering during dry periods is sufficient, especially in summer. The soil must never become waterlogged: proper drainage is essential.
Soil and preparation
Plant in soil rich in organic matter, well-draining and slightly acidic. Improve the soil at planting with compost or peat. This tree appreciates deep soils and cannot tolerate root asphyxiation.
Pruning and maintenance
Pruning is not essential for kousa dogwood, which naturally develops an elegant form. Remove dead or poorly positioned branches in late winter. Intervene lightly to preserve the natural fan-like habit.
Fertilizing
A single annual application of organic fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Use an amendment rich in organic matter rather than concentrated mineral fertilizer. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Kousa dogwood is generally robust. Occasionally watch for scale insects and spider mites in very dry climates. Good air circulation and basic hygiene prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Kousa dogwood is famous for its remarkable star-shaped white bracts that appear in May-June, often mistaken for petals but which are actually modified leaves. In autumn, its foliage turns spectacular scarlet tones, and its small globular red fruits attract birds. It is a sacred tree in Asia, particularly in Japan where it symbolizes elegance and resilience.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- DogwoodCornus sanguinea
- Cornelian cherryCornus mas
- Red-osier dogwoodCornus sericea
- Giant dogwoodCornus controversa
- Japanese cornelian cherryCornus officinalis
- Hong Kong dogwoodCornus hongkongensis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.