Kousa Dogwood
cornus kousa
Also known as: ["Chinese Dogwood","Japanese Dogwood"]
Overview
A deciduous flowering tree native to East Asia, known for its showy white or pink bracts and distinctive fruit.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Genus: | Cornus |
| Botanical Name: | Cornus kousa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, preferably with some protection from harsh afternoon sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–25–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor and dry
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate pruning to shape and remove old wood; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for health.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Adjust to partial shade in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Place in partial shade during peak summer heat. Indoors, provide bright indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; avoid placing near heat sources.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend with organic matter for fertility; check pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–8. Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.
Protect from late spring frosts; provide shade during summer heat; ensure good air circulation to prevent heat buildup.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize only when actively growing; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers; water thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Keep warm and bright.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is semi-hardened.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for aeration.
Hormone
Use rooting hormone to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks. Plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sunlight; maintain consistent moisture; check for root development after 4 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches, heading back to encourage bushiness, and removal of crossing or damaged stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering. Prune after flowering to avoid removing buds.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; thin crowded branches; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water well after repotting; place in shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply water slowly to allow deep penetration and avoid runoff. Ensure water reaches the root zone depth and allow excess to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season, reducing frequency in winter. Increase watering during prolonged droughts or extreme heat.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility. Incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch, wilting, premature leaf drop, or delayed flowering in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or drop prematurely. Growth may slow or stop. Young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots. Protect young plants with frost cloth during hard freezes. Choose a sheltered planting site.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop. Flowering may be reduced. Growth may slow under prolonged heat stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture. Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; apply fertilizer in early spring; water after application; avoid contact with stems or leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Apply according to package directions, avoiding over-fertilization.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSimilar to dogs, Cornus kousa can be slightly toxic to cats if unripe fruits or seeds are ingested. The effects are typically mild gastrointestinal irritation.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe unripe fruits and seeds of Cornus kousa can be slightly toxic to dogs, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal irritation or discomfort. The toxicity is generally low and not life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCornus kousa is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, unripe fruits may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities due to their higher tannin content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Cornus kousa have fragrant flowers?
A: No, the flowers are not fragrant, but the bracts are showy.
Q: Is Cornus kousa resistant to dogwood anthracnose?
A: Yes, it is more resistant to this disease than Cornus florida.
Q: Can the fruit of Cornus kousa be eaten?
A: The fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in jams, though it is not commonly consumed.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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