Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
An Asian beauty that outperforms native dogwoods with superior disease resistance and extended bloom time. The large, pointed white bracts appear after the leaves in early summer, followed by raspberry-like edible fruits and spectacular scarlet fall color. This elegant tree features attractive exfoliating bark that provides winter interest, making it a true four-season showstopper.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
5–8
USDA hardiness
Height
20-30 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Kousa Dogwood in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 ornamental-tree →Zone Map
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Kousa Dogwood · Zones 5–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage. Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 15 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12-24 feet, 24-60 feet. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Layering, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruit is an edible round drupe and measures 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. The fruit is light red to pink in color. The inside is a fleshy yellowish-orange and contains a stone. The stalk measures 1.5 to 2 inches long. The fruits ripen in late summer to early fall.
Color: Green, Pink, Red/Burgundy. Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Edible, Showy
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: Fruits are technically edible but are usually left for the birds.
History & Origin
Origin: Sikkim, China to Temp. Eastern Asia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer
- +Attracts: Resistant to anthracnose and blights that native dogwoods are susceptible to. Mildly resistant to deer damage
- +Wildlife value: Fruits and nesting sites attractive to songbirds. Squirrels eat fruits as well. Members of the genus Cornus support the following specialized bees: Andrena (Gonandrena) fragilis, Andrena (Gonandrena) integra, and Andrena (Gonandrena) platyparia.
- +Edible: Fruits are technically edible but are usually left for the birds.
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Shade-tolerant groundcover that thrives under dogwood canopy, complementary growing conditions
Astilbe
Enjoys partial shade and moist soil conditions similar to dogwood, adds colorful blooms
Heuchera
Tolerates shade well, shallow roots don't compete with dogwood's root system
Japanese Painted Fern
Thrives in dappled shade provided by dogwood, adds textural contrast
Camellia
Similar acidic soil preferences and shade tolerance, complementary bloom times
Azalea
Shares preference for acidic, well-draining soil and partial shade conditions
Wild Ginger
Native groundcover that spreads well under dogwood canopy, similar moisture needs
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Compatible shade and soil requirements, provides structural layering
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth in dogwoods
Silver Maple
Aggressive shallow root system competes heavily for water and nutrients
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds in leaves and roots can inhibit dogwood growth
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew
Common Pests
Dogwood borer, scale insects, aphids
Diseases
Spot anthracnose (minor), canker diseases (rare)