About

Cornus kousa 'Marwood Dawn' is a shrub or small tree that can reach up to 6 meters tall. It features ovate, green foliage during the summer months, which transforms to vibrant red hues in the fall. This cultivar is known for its abundant blooms, showcasing large, pink, petal-like bracts that encircle yellow-green flower clusters in early summer. In the autumn, it produces red fruits 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