General Culture:
Best grown in humusy, organically rich, medium moisture, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Performs well in sandy loams. Appreciates regular moisture during hot summers.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Cornus kousa (see J910 herein), commonly called Kousa dogwood or Japanese dogwood, is a small, deciduous flowering tree or multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows 15-30’ tall with a vase-shaped habit in the early years, eventually maturing to a more rounded form. Bloom occurs in late spring. The showy parts of the Kousa dogwood “flower” (3-5” across) are the four narrowly pointed petal-like white bracts which surround the center cluster of insignificant, yellowish-green, true flowers. Flowers are followed by berry-like fruits (to 1” diameter) which mature to a pinkish red in summer and persist into fall. Fruits are technically edible, but are usually left for the birds. Oval, pointed, dark green leaves (to 4” long) turn reddish purple to scarlet in autumn. ‘Weaver’s Weeping’ is a weeping form of Kousa dogwood. It typically matures to 8-10’ tall and as wide. It is noted for having abundant flowering in spring on weeping branches.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Kousa dogwoods generally have better disease resistance than flowering dogwoods (see Cornus florida). In full sun locations, leaf scorch may appear, particularly if soils are allowed to dry out.
Uses:
A stunning small flowering tree or large shrub with weeping branching and good fall color. Plant as a specimen or in small groupings on residential property around homes, near patios or in lawns. Also effective in shrub borders, woodland gardens or bird gardens.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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