But I have noticed a few smaller dark branches on one of the main stems with no growth. However, that same main stem has plenty of growth on top? Should I prune or just leave it for now?
Varieties, hybrids and cultivars
Kousa Dogwood, also known as Cornus kousa, is a small deciduous flowering tree or multi-stemmed shrub. It is native to East Asia, including Korea, China and Japan. Widely cultivated as an ornamental, it is naturalized in New York State.
- I read that the Kousa Dogwood can get sun scorched.
- Of the species that owe their beauty to their large showy bracts as distinct from the true flowers, this is the most promising for our climate.
- If the bark looks good, the mature branches are even better.
Growing Conditions
These berry-like fruits can reach a size of 2 inches if left on the tree for an extended period. The fruits are edible and have even been used in winemaking. However, they are primarily enjoyed by birds, making them a natural source of sustenance for local wildlife. Make sure the sites are situated at least 20 feet away from each other, and at least six feet away from natural hardscapes and man-made structures. In my opinion, these trees are too gorgeous to grow in less-than-optimal conditions.
Chinensis is native to China and is commonly called Chinese dogwood. It 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. Chinensis is very similar to the species except for having slightly larger flower bracts, larger fruit, and larger, smoother and often more pubescent leaves. May also be related to the Greek kerasos meaning “cherry”.Specific epithet is the Japanese name for this species.‘Milky Way’ is one of the most popular cultivars sold in commerce today.
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners
- Sometimes referred to as the Chinese dogwood, this species is an Asian cousin to our native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and is a member of the dogwood family (Cornaceae).
- The plant has a slow growth rate and prefers a sunny location but is tolerant of moderate shade.
- But this species is more drought-resistant once mature than most other kinds of Cornus, so don’t stress if you slack on the supplemental irrigation.
- Its botanical name, Cornus kousa, reflects the Japanese origin of the species, adding a touch of cultural significance to its identity.
- As a Kousa matures, it develops more horizontal branching, rounded form, and becomes more wide-spreading.
Capitata, as is shown by the agglomerated fruits. Kousa Dogwood is a hardy plant, resistant to dogwood anthracnose disease, unlike its relative Cornus florida. It is also tolerant to cold, deer, dogwood anthracnose, dogwood borers, frost, and powdery mildew. It prefers well-drained, acidic soil and can thrive in full sun to partial shade.
Other Plants in the Flower Garden:
Mottled, exfoliating, tan and gray bark is attractive in winter. Cultivar name suggests that the profuse bloom of flowers each year is suggestive of the billions of stars in the Milky Way. Oval, pointed leaves (to 4” long) are dark green.
Cornus kousa Kousa Dogwood
This plant is slow-growing, and actually prefers partial shade to full sun. Along with its diminutive size, ‘Wolf Eyes’ flaunts leaves edged with white that turn a stunning pink to red in fall. With ‘Moonbeam,’ you’ll have flowers cornus kousa twice as big as those of the standard species, with each bloom measuring seven to eight inches in diameter. Along with its disease and pest resistance, C. Kousa is valued in landscaping for its frost-resistance and relative cold hardiness. Four-pointed, football-shaped bracts encircle each cluster of true flowers, and these tend to pinken with age.
Native of Japan, Korea, and Central China. Of the species that owe their beauty to their large showy bracts as distinct from the true flowers, this is the most promising for our climate. It is only likely to be confused in gardens with C. Florida, its East American ally, but its long slender-pointed bracts readily distinguish it. Botanically it is more nearly allied to C.
It is a broad, bushy tree that is particularly noted for its abundant flowers and showy fruit. It typically matures to 20’ tall and as wide. Flower bracts are creamy white and bloom in profusion in June. Berries are exceptionally large and are edible (inner custard-like consistency) off the plant. Fruits persist on the plants into fall past the point of foliage drop. Oval, pointed, dark green leaves (to 4” long) turn orange-red to scarlet in autumn.