About

Cornus kousa 'Ed Mezitt' is a sizable deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching heights of up to 5 meters. Its new branches exhibit a purple hue, and the young leaves maintain this coloration until they mature, transitioning to green. In June, slender, star-shaped bracts emerge, initially displaying a mix of green and light pink, which eventually fade to white, encircling a small green flower cluster. Late summer brings the development of fruit resembling strawberries.

About the genus

Cornus includes a variety of deciduous shrubs and trees, as well as prostrate, woody perennials, some featuring vibrant young stems. The small flowers appear in compact clusters, occasionally accompanied by prominent bracts. Several species display attractive foliage in the fall.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs, Trees
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
4-8 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Architectural

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or light shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus