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, 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 leaves (to 4” long) are dark green. 'Fireworks’ is a pink flowered form. It produces pink-bracted flowers in late spring. It is noted for having excellent yellow, red and purple fall foliage color.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Kousa dogwoods generally have better disease reisistance than flowering dogwoods (see Cornus florida). In full sun locations, leaf scorch may appear, particularly if soils are allowed to dry out.
Uses:
An attractive small-flowering tree or large shrub with 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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