About

Cornus kousa 'Weaver's Weeping' is a gracefully drooping, grafted shrub or small tree that reaches a maximum height of 5 meters, with its branches gracefully arching downwards. The height is determined by the rootstock onto which it is grafted. Its leaves start as green and transition to shades of red, gold, and purple during the fall. In late spring and early summer, the plant is adorned with large white bracts that encircle clusters of small flowers, which gradually shift to a pink hue as they mature. In late summer, it produces small, round, red-pink fruits that are 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
Trees
Habit
Bushy, Spreading branched
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 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