Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
270 inches
Width
270 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
50+ years
Native To
Japan, Korea, China
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Cornus kousa, commonly known as Kousa dogwood, is a small to medium-sized flowering tree with distinctive white bracts and a layered branching habit. Unlike native dogwoods, Kousa dogwood has a longer flowering season and produces ornamental fruit that are edible.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds in well-drained soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
- Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune after flowering to shape and remove dead or crossing branches.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining, slightly acidic soil for vibrant blooms and healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot ❌
- Do not prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid planting in heavy, poorly drained clay soils
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Kousa Dogwood questions
What zones can Kousa Dogwood grow in?
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 Kousa Dogwood deer resistant?
Yes — Kousa Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Kousa Dogwood bloom?
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 Kousa Dogwood need full sun?
Kousa Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Cornus to compare
Red Twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Red Twig'
Arctic Fire Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Arctic Fire'
Midwinter Fire Dogwood
Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'
Giant Dogwood, Wedding Cake Tree
Cornus controversa
Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Cardinal'
Golden Dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Golden Dogwood'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Kousa Dogwood with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
