About

Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'White Dusted' is a sizable, gradually maturing shrub featuring broad, ovate leaves marked with cream and white variegation, which transforms to shades of red and pink in the fall. In early summer, it produces flower clusters of small greenish blooms, encircled by four elongated, creamy-white bracts. The resulting fruit resembles deep pink 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
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden

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