The Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) is a highly valued deciduous tree known for its multi-season visual appeal. Originating from East Asia, it has become a popular choice in various landscapes. This tree offers ornamental interest through its showy “flowers,” which are actually modified leaves called bracts, its attractive fruit, distinct bark, and vibrant fall foliage. Its general hardiness also contributes to its widespread appeal.
Understanding Kousa Dogwood Varieties
Kousa Dogwood varieties, or cultivars, are developed through selective breeding to enhance specific attributes. These selections allow gardeners to find a tree that aligns with their unique aesthetic preferences and garden conditions. Variations include bloom timing, bract color (from white to pink), fruit size and color, mature tree size and shape, and fall foliage intensity. Some varieties also offer improved resistance to common dogwood issues like anthracnose or powdery mildew, which can affect other dogwood species.
Popular Kousa Dogwood Varieties
‘Satomi’
‘Satomi’ is prized for its pink bracts, which can range from light to deep rose pink. This upright, spreading tree typically reaches 12 to 15 feet tall, developing horizontal branching with age. Its deep green foliage transforms into red in autumn, complemented by red fruits.
‘Wolf Eyes’
‘Wolf Eyes’ is known for its variegated foliage, featuring wavy, gray-green leaves with creamy white margins. This small tree or large shrub grows to 15 to 20 feet tall and wide, with leaves turning reddish-pink in autumn. It produces creamy white bracts in June, followed by ornamental red fruit.
‘Summer Stars’
‘Summer Stars’ is recognized for its heavy bloom and disease resistance, especially to verticillium wilt. It produces abundant white bracts in late spring or early summer, which can last up to 6 weeks. The tree typically grows 20 to 25 feet tall and wide, displaying reddish-purple fall foliage.
‘National’
‘National’ is noted for its large, creamy white bracts that cover the tree in mid to late spring. These bracts may fade to a light pink as they age. This tree develops an upright, vase-shaped habit, maturing to 20 to 25 feet tall and wide. Its green foliage turns brick red in fall, producing abundant red berries.
‘Milky Way’
‘Milky Way’ is popular for its abundant creamy white bracts and profuse fruit set. This broad, bushy tree reaches 15 to 20 feet tall and wide, with white bracts appearing in June. It produces large, edible red berries that attract birds and persist into fall, while its dark green leaves turn orange-red to scarlet in autumn.
‘Heart Throb’
‘Heart Throb’ features deep rose-pink bracts, providing a long-lasting bloom for 4 to 6 weeks. This cultivar forms a rounded shape with deep green foliage, typically growing 15 to 20 feet tall and wide. It produces large, red fruit in the fall, and its foliage turns a rich purplish-red.
‘Elizabeth Ann’
‘Elizabeth Ann’ offers a weeping habit with arching branches. It displays crisp white, star-like bracts in late spring, which can develop pink shades with age. It typically reaches 12 to 15 feet tall and 15 to 18 feet wide. Its glossy green foliage transforms into red in fall, accompanied by red fruits.
Choosing the Right Kousa Dogwood Variety for Your Garden
Selecting a Kousa Dogwood variety involves evaluating several factors to ensure the tree thrives and meets your garden’s design:
Consider the mature size (height and spread) to match available space.
Assess light conditions; Kousa Dogwoods generally perform well in full sun to partial shade.
Determine preferred features, such as bract color, vibrant fall foliage, or abundant fruit.
Verify suitability for your local climate by checking its USDA hardiness zone.
Consider the tree’s purpose, whether as a specimen, for shade, or in a mixed border.