When does Kousa Dogwood bloom?
Kousa Dogwood typically blooms in late spring to early summer, usually from May to June, after its leaves have emerged. Its showy white or sometimes pinkish bracts provide a beautiful display.
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
Cornus kousa, or Kousa Dogwood, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub. It features striking white or pinkish bracts in late spring, edible red fruit, and attractive ex
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes best flowering and fall color.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young or during dry periods.
Soil
Well-drained, acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-6.5), rich in organic matter.
Temperature
Hardy in temperate climates, tolerating winter lows and summer highs within its zone.
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Care Requirements
Light
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes best flowering and fall color.
Bright to Moderate
Water
Keep soil consistently moist, especially when young or during dry periods.
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-6.5), rich in organic matter.
Temperature
Hardy in temperate climates, tolerating winter lows and summer highs within its zone.
Temperate
Habitat
Outdoor
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Annually
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Plant Category
Ornamental, Flowering, Fruit
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden
Plant Environment
Outdoor
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
6-9 m
Spread
4.5-7.5 m
Growth Rate
Medium
Dormancy
Winter
Leaf Color
Green, Red, Purple
Leaf Type
Simple
Flower Size
5-10 cm
Optimal Sunlight Lux
60000
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Sep
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · SepPeak fruit · Apr
FloweringFruiting
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderCornales
- familyCornaceae
- genusCornus
- speciesCornus kousa
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
No
Rating: 0/5
Toxic for pets
No
Rating: 0/5
Edible
Yes
The fruit of Cornus kousa is edible and generally considered safe for consumption. Other parts of the plant are not typically consumed and are not known to be toxic to humans or pets.
Additional Care Tips
Kousa Dogwood prefers consistently moist soil, especially during its establishment period and dry spells. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil is not waterlogged. Reduce frequency in cooler months or if rainfall is adequate. Established trees are somewhat drought-tolerant but perform best with regular moisture.
Prune Kousa Dogwood primarily for shaping, removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring before leaf out. Minimal pruning is generally required. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can disrupt the natural form. If necessary, raise the canopy by removing lower branches to reveal the attractive exfoliating bark.
Propagation is typically done by seed, which requires stratification, or by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Cuttings can be rooted with the aid of rooting hormone under mist. Grafting is also used for specific cultivars. Seed propagation can result in variability, so cuttings or grafting are preferred for true-to-type reproduction.
Kousa Dogwood is typically grown in the ground as a landscape tree or shrub, not in pots requiring repotting. If grown temporarily in a container, repotting to a larger container with fresh soil may be needed every 2-3 years until it reaches a size suitable for planting in the garden. Ensure good drainage in any container.
FAQs
Is the fruit of Kousa Dogwood edible?
Yes, the red, berry-like fruit of the Kousa Dogwood is edible for humans. It has a soft, somewhat mealy texture and a mild, sweet flavor, often used in jams, jellies, or eaten fresh.
What are the best growing conditions for Kousa Dogwood?
Kousa Dogwood thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soil rich in organic matter. It requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods, and is hardy in USDA Zones 5-8.
How large does a Kousa Dogwood grow?
A mature Kousa Dogwood typically grows to a height of 6-9 meters (20-30 feet) with a spread of 4.5-7.5 meters (15-25 feet). Its size makes it suitable as a small specimen tree or large shrub.
Does Kousa Dogwood have any significant pest or disease problems?
Kousa Dogwood is generally more resistant to common dogwood diseases like anthracnose than native North American dogwoods. It can occasionally face issues with powdery mildew or scale insects, but these are usually minor.