Species

Cornus kousaKousa Dogwood

2 other cultivars

tree

Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa 'Greensleeves'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus kousa is a deciduous tree native to East Asia, with white flower bracts appearing after the leaves emerge in late spring to early summer. Pink-red, strawberry-like fruit and red-purple fall foliage extend its seasonal interest.

'Greensleeves' has glossy, dark green leaves with prominent veins and abundant broad, pointed white bracts with a green tint. It grows upright when young and develops a fuller, spreading crown as it matures.

Uses & Benefits:

White flower bracts in late spring to early summer, pink-red fruit in fall and red-purple fall foliage.

A small specimen tree for lawns, woodland edges and mixed borders.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, enriching local biodiversity.

SpeciesCornus kousaKousa Dogwood

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240"

Width

240"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Decades

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Fruit is edible; pet safety has not been verified.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a well-drained, slightly acidic soil for planting.
Plant a nursery-grown tree in the soil and water thoroughly after planting.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage growth.
Prune lightly after flowering to shape the tree and remove dead wood.
Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant in a location with partial shade to protect from harsh afternoon sun.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Apply mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid over-fertilizing which can cause excessive leaf growth ❌
Do not plant in poorly drained soil to prevent root rot ❌
Avoid heavy pruning during late fall or winter ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen tree for lawns and mixed bordersFlowering tree for woodland edges and informal gardens

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Hydrangea Hosta

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood questions

What zones can Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood grow in?

Greensleeves 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 Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood bloom?

Greensleeves 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 Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood need full sun?

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