This delightful small dogwood is outstanding for its coloring, its small, neat stature, and its ability to grow well despite less than ideal conditions! One of its most remarkable characteristics is the clean variegation on the leaves. They open bright green with a cream edge, and the edges become suffused with pink during the season, while the clean green takes on strawberry tones and finally assumes purple hues in fall – a simply stunning combination! Not to mention the large flowers that open white and mature to pink, becoming richer as they age.
The tree produces a super abundance of these blooms over a very long time, continuing on into early summer. A 10 year-old tree will be only 8-10′ tall and wide, so it fits well into today’s smaller gardens. Easy to grow, even in clay, and it tolerates heat, humidity and dry conditions, once established. Needs afternoon shade where summers are hot. Zones 5-8. 2-3′ Bareroot. Cornus kousa ‘Akatsuki’. Full Sun to Partial Shade.
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Botanical Name:
Cornus kousa ‘Akatsuki’
- Sun Exposure:
Full Sun, Partial Shade - Height/Habit:
8 – 10 feet - Spread:
8 – 10 feet - Spacing:
8 – 10 feet - Hardiness Zone:
5-8 - Flowering Date:
Late spring, Early summer - Planting Instructions:
Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. Work soil around the roots, firm well and water thoroughly - Winter Care:
A winter mulch is advantageous the first winter if fall planted - Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate
- Flower Color:
Pink - Flower Form:
Flower bracts that are pointed at the tips with 4 petals. - Foliage Type:
Large variegated leaves that purple-red in fall. When it bears early summer blooms that become suffused with red as they age! - Pruning:
Only for aesthetics Early winter - Pruning Time:
Early winter - Fragrance:
None - Soil Requirement:
Prefers an acid, humus enriched soil that is well drained
