Species

shrub RHS Award

Miss Satomi Dogwood

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus kousa is a small, deciduous flowering tree or multi-stemmed shrub with a vase-shaped habit in youth, maturing to a rounded form. It features showy, four-petaled bracts surrounding the true flowers.

'Miss Satomi' is celebrated for its profuse, deep pink to reddish-pink floral bracts, which hold their color well. It also offers attractive reddish-purple to scarlet fall color and edible, raspberry-like fruits.

Uses & Benefits:

The Cornus kousa Miss Satomi offers stunning spring blooms and vibrant fall foliage, enhancing visual appeal.

Provides shade and acts as a focal point in landscape design.

Supports pollinators with its attractive flowers and provides habitat for birds.

SpeciesCornus kousaKousa Dogwood

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

216 inches

Width

216 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

Japan, Korea, China

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil in early spring or fall.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged during establishment.
Apply a layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead wood.
Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

Pro Tip

Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
Prune after flowering to shape the tree
Mulch to retain soil moisture
Fertilize annually in early spring

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t prune in late fall or winter
Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
Do not plant in poorly drained soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Ornamental tree for focal pointsShade tree in garden pathwaysSeasonal interest with showy blooms

Companion Plants

Hostas Azaleas Ferns Hydrangeas Japanese Maple

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Miss Satomi Dogwood questions

What zones can Miss Satomi Dogwood grow in?

Miss Satomi 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 Miss Satomi Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Miss Satomi Dogwood bloom?

Miss Satomi 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 Miss Satomi Dogwood need full sun?

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