CORNUS KOUSA VAR. CHINENSIS / CHINESE FLOWERING DOGWOOD

CORNUS KOUSA VAR. CHINENSIS / CHINESE FLOWERING DOGWOOD

Elegant Dogwood with Beautiful Blooms and Year-Round Interest

Cornus kousa var. chinensis, commonly known as Chinese Flowering Dogwood, is a stunning ornamental tree valued for its attractive blooms, distinctive foliage, and exceptional ornamental qualities. It blooms later than the native dogwood, extending the flowering season in the landscape. This variety offers striking white bracts, followed by red fruits and vibrant fall foliage, making it a standout in any garden.

Why Choose Chinese Flowering Dogwood?

• Late Spring Blooms: This variety blooms slightly later than the typical Cornus florida, prolonging the dogwood bloom season with its large, white bracts that resemble flowers.
• Year-Round Interest: Enjoy the beauty of the tree not just in spring, but also in summer and fall, thanks to its attractive foliage, colorful fruits, and rich autumn color.
• Hardy and Disease-Resistant: Chinese Flowering Dogwood is known for being more resistant to dogwood diseases like anthracnose, making it a hardy and reliable tree for various climates.
• Bird and Pollinator-Friendly: The tree produces red berries that attract birds, and its early blooms are a valuable nectar source for bees and butterflies.

Key Features:

• Large White Bracts: The tree produces large, four-petaled bracts that create a showy white display, similar to the flowering dogwood, but with more resilience.
• Red Fruits: In late summer, the tree produces small, round red fruits that persist into fall, providing a food source for birds.
• Vibrant Fall Foliage: In autumn, the leaves turn a beautiful reddish-purple, adding a final burst of color before winter.
• Resilient to Disease: More resistant to common dogwood diseases than other varieties, this tree is well-suited for gardens with damp or humid conditions.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: 15–25 feet tall, 15–25 feet wide.
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade, with some afternoon shade for optimal growth and bloom.
• Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; tolerates a variety of soil conditions but requires regular moisture.

Ideal Uses:

• Specimen Tree: The elegant form and seasonal interest make it an ideal specimen tree for a focal point in gardens.
• Pollinator and Wildlife Gardens: The blooms attract pollinators, and the berries provide food for birds, supporting a healthy ecosystem.
• Shaded and Partially Shaded Gardens: Thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded spots where other trees may not thrive.
• Ornamental Landscaping: Its beauty and seasonal interest make it a great addition to any landscape design, from urban gardens to large estates.

Cornus kousa var. chinensis, the Chinese Flowering Dogwood, is a beautiful, low-maintenance tree that offers year-round appeal. Its late spring blooms, vibrant fall foliage, and bird-friendly red berries make it an attractive choice for adding color and interest to any landscape.