Species

Cornus kousaKousa Dogwood

2 other cultivars

tree

Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa 'National'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus kousa, the Kousa dogwood, is a deciduous small tree native to East Asia that forms horizontal branching tiers and a rounded canopy with age. Small clusters of true yellowish-green flowers appear in spring framed by four large, pointed white bracts, followed by fleshy, raspberry-like fruits and burgundy fall foliage.

'National' is an early-blooming selection that develops an upright vase shape in youth before spreading to 20 to 25 feet wide. Its creamy-white bracts open earlier in spring than most other cultivars, followed by rich crimson and reddish-purple autumn color.

Uses & Benefits:

Early-season white floral bracts, layered horizontal structure, crimson fall color, and textured bark.

Highly resistant to dogwood anthracnose compared to native eastern species.

Provides edible fruit for songbirds and offers spring nectar for early-season butterflies.

SpeciesCornus kousaKousa Dogwood

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

300"

Width

300"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting location in full sun to partial shade with acidic to neutral, well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth, keeping the root flare level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil enriched with organic matter, water thoroughly to settle air pockets, and apply a 3-inch layer of mulch.
Provide regular irrigation throughout the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic, organically rich soil and maintain consistent moisture during establishment; positioning in hot, dry, full-sun exposure or heavy clay causes severe leaf scorch.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain a deep layer of organic mulch over the root zone to retain soil moisture.
Provide supplemental water during hot, dry summer periods.
Ensure soil drains freely to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, unamended clay or low areas prone to standing water.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood.
Do not allow young trees to dry out completely during summer heat.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeLawn focal pointUnderstory plantingCottage garden border

Companion Plants

Acer palmatum Rhododendron Heuchera Astilbe

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 4–9. 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?

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

When does Kousa Dogwood bloom?

Kousa Dogwood typically blooms in spring through late spring. 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.