Kousa Dogwood - Cornus kousa

The Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) is a deciduous tree native to Asia. It is a highly ornamental tree, with green leaves and large flowers that give way to pendulous dark pink fruits.

Plant Details - Kousa Dogwood

Family: Cornaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Moist

Height: 15 – 25 ft.

Spread: 15 – 25 ft.

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: Spring

Flower Color: White

Wildlife Value: Attracts bees, butterflies

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Kousa Dogwood

The Kousa Dogwood is a highly ornamental tree you need to plant in your landscape, with large showy flowers and berries. Its flowers bloom later than our native dogwoods, making it a way to extend this season for dogwood lovers.

Plant this beautiful ornamental tree in a visible location where you will be able to enjoy it, such as in your zen or Asian inspired garden, as a specimen tree in your yard, or as a street tree. This tree is great planted with shade plants underneath, like Dutchman’s Breeches or Bleeding Heart.

This is a low maintenance tree that still has a high impact on the property.

Its attractive bark is exfoliating and light brown.

This tree prefers an area with full sun, but can also grow in partial shade. Avoid planting this tree in full shade.

Plant this tree in a location that has well draining, acidic soil.

Make sure to water this tree until it is well established in its new location. You will need to water this tree in dry hot summer weather.

It will attract wildlife to your yard, including butterflies, birds, and small mammals. The birds and mammals will enjoy eating the small fruits that drop to the ground below.

Its flowers will attract bees alongside other pollinators.

This tree is deer and rabbit resistant. Protect it from browsing damage while it is young.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The Kousa Dogwood is more resistant to anthracnose compared to our native dogwoods.

Its fruits are edible to humans and will often be turned into jams in Asian countries; however, here they are more often left for wildlife.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

Height at Maturity

Under 25 Feet

Care

Kousa Dogwoods thrive in well-drained soil and appreciate consistent moisture. In early spring, it's beneficial to use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Pruning after flowering helps maintain their shape and remove dead or diseased branches.

Plant Reproduction

Kousa Dogwood spreads by seeds, root suckers, and layering.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We do not accept returned plants. If you purchased an extended warranty we do accept claims, please navigate to the warranty page for instructions HERE