Pink Kousa Dogwood Tree

Award-winning Cornus kousa ‘Miss Satomi’ (Kousa Dogwood) is an upright, spreading medium-sized deciduous shrub with 4 seasons of interest. In spring, a heavenly array of star-like blooms appear. They consist of four narrowly pointed deep pink bracts which surround the center cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers. The blossoms give way to strawberry-like, rosy-pink fruits in summer, which persist into fall, unless devoured by hungry birds. In summer, its canopy of layered branches, clad with oval, pointed, dark green leaves, provides shade and beauty. In the fall, it offers spectacular bright red color when its foliage turns attractive shades of scarlet. In winter, its exfoliating, mottled, tan and gray bark adds interest to the landscape.

• Common Name: Pink dogwood, pink flowering dogwood
• Botanical Name: Cornus florida f. rubra
• Family Name: Cornaceae
• Plant Type: Tree
• Mature Size: 15 to 30 ft. tall, with a similar or somewhat greater spread
• Sun Exposure: Partial shade
• Soil Type: Moist but well-drained
• Soil pH: Acidic
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Flower Color: Pink
• Hardiness Zones: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
• Native Area: North America

Tips for Growing Kousa Dogwood Trees

Kousa dogwood does much better when planted in the spring than in the fall, so wait until the last sign of frost has passed before putting in your new tree. When it comes to planting dogwood Kousa trees, it all begins with the soil. Like most dogwoods, these trees enjoy a spot with rich, moist soil in full sun to partial shade. Dig a hole about three times the size of the root ball on your sapling, but keep the depth the same.

Plant your Kousa dogwood trees at the same depth they were growing in the nursery. Kousa dogwood trees aren’t very drought-tolerant, so make sure to keep the soil moist throughout the summer, especially in the first three years when the tree is establishing itself. Add a circle of organic mulch about 3 feet (1 m.) wide around the base of the tree to help retain moisture to the roots. The bark of the Kousa dogwood is so attractive that you’ll want to selectively prune branches to show it off as part of your Kousa dogwood care. If the bark looks good, the mature branches are even better.

The older the tree gets, the more the branches grow horizontally, giving the tree a spreading look that with a decorative canopy. From the drifts of flowers in the spring to the abundant bright red berries late in the summer, Kousa dogwood trees are an ever-changing, attractive addition to almost any landscaping design.