Overview
Cornus kousa chinensis is a bushy tree in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 10.0 m tall. Cornus kousa chinensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens. It is native to China.
About
Cornus kousa is a small deciduous tree 8–12 m (26–39 ft) tall, in the flowering plant family Cornaceae. Common names include kousa, kousa dogwood, Chinese dogwood, Korean dogwood, and Japanese dogwood.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus kousa
About the genus
Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods or cornels, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cornus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cornus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cornus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Cornus kousa chinensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Tree
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 10.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cornus kousa chinensis
- Propagation
- Seed, Hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Scale insects, Slugs, Snails, Powdery mildew, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Cornus anthracnose, Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cornus kousa chinensis?
Cornus kousa chinensis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cornus kousa chinensis need?
Cornus kousa chinensis is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Cornus kousa chinensis grow?
Cornus kousa chinensis reaches a height of 10.0 m.
Is Cornus kousa chinensis hardy in the UK?
Cornus kousa chinensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Cornus kousa chinensis?
Seed, Hardwood cuttings.
More in the Cornus genus
- Cornus florida 'Fastigiata'Flowering Dogwood

- Cornus kousa 'Tsukuba No Mine'Kousa Dogwood

- Cornus mas 'Kazanlak' (F)cornelian cherry 'Kasanlaker'

- Cornus sanguinea 'Midwinter Fire'Common dogwood
