Overview
Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea' is a bushy, matforming, suckering shrubs in the genus Cornus, part of the Cornaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6, H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds and hedging and screens.
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.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6, H7
Plant details
Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy, Matforming, Suckering
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Hedging and screens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Grafting, Division, Layering
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea'?
Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea' need?
Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea' hardy in the UK?
Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Kea'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings, Hardwood cuttings, Grafting, Division, Layering.
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
