tree

Samaritan Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa ssp 'Samaritan Kousa'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus kousa, the Kousa Dogwood, is an elegant small tree from Asia, known for its star-like flower bracts that appear after the leaves, edible raspberry-like fruit, and attractive exfoliating bark.

'Samaritan' is a stunning variegated cultivar with lush green leaves edged in a wide, creamy-white margin. The variegation brightens shady spots, and the leaf margins often take on a pinkish hue in the fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers outstanding four-season appeal with its variegated foliage, showy late-spring flowers, unique summer fruit, pink-tinged fall color, and handsome puzzle-like exfoliating bark in winter. It is a true specimen tree.

It is more resistant to disease (especially anthracnose) and more drought-tolerant than the native Cornus florida, making it a more reliable choice in many landscape situations. The fruit is edible, with a flavor similar to a persimmon or mango.

While not a native species, its flowers provide a nectar source for pollinators, and its fruit is readily eaten by birds and squirrels, contributing to local wildlife support.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

216 inches

Width

216 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

50+ years

Native To

Japan, Korea, China (species)

Toxicity

Fruit is edible for humans

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full morning sun and afternoon shade
Ensure soil is acidic, rich in organic matter, and well-drained
Dig a planting hole that is wide and shallow
Place the tree so its root flare is slightly above ground level
Backfill with native soil and water deeply
Mulch the root zone, but keep mulch away from the trunk

Pro Tip

Provide afternoon shade in hot climates to prevent the white leaf margins from scorching in the summer sun.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first few years and during droughts.
Provide good drainage.
Mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
Allow space for its natural vase-shaped form to develop.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or compacted soils.
Avoid planting in hot, dry, exposed sites.
Do not prune heavily; it seldom needs it.
Avoid mechanical damage to the trunk and bark.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Exquisite variegated specimen treeBrightening accent for woodland edgesFour-season interest for small yards

Companion Plants

Hosta Hakonechloa macra Hydrangea Acer palmatumFerns

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Samaritan Kousa Dogwood questions

What zones can Samaritan Kousa Dogwood grow in?

Samaritan Kousa Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Samaritan Kousa Dogwood deer resistant?

Yes — Samaritan Kousa Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Samaritan Kousa Dogwood bloom?

Samaritan Kousa Dogwood typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Samaritan Kousa Dogwood need full sun?

Samaritan Kousa Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Samaritan Kousa Dogwood drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Samaritan Kousa Dogwood handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.