About
Cornus kousa 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' is a compact, angular tree characterized by a low-lying trunk and horizontal branches that can reach heights of 3 to 4 meters. The foliage is primarily green, occasionally displaying hints of bronze, and exhibits vibrant autumn coloration. At maturity, it produces broad, petal-like bracts that overlap and are white with a subtle pink hue, encircling a greenish flower head. In the fall, the tree bears red, strawberry-like fruits.
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, Pendulous weeping
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.5-4 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 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