About
Cornus kousa 'Samaritan' is a shrub or small tree that can reach a height of up to 7 meters. Its bark displays a silvery grey to brown hue, developing a silver appearance as it begins to peel in maturity or during winter months. The leaves are elliptical and arranged oppositely, featuring a distinctive variegation with broad creamy white margins that may display a hint of pink in spring; the leaf edges have a subtle wave. The plant produces petal-like bracts that shift from creamy green to creamy white, surrounding a central cluster of creamy white flowers. In autumn, the foliage transitions to shades of pink and burgundy maroon. The plant bears sweet, strawberry-like fruits that are red and edible.
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