Kousa Dogwood Tree

Cornus kousa chinensis

Nature Hills Nursery

Thrives across a wide climate range in USDA zones 5 through 8.
Features massive 3 to 5-inch white-bracted blooms that appear in late spring, well after other dogwoods have finished.
Produces showy, edible pinkish-red berries that serve as a high-energy food source for songbirds.
Provides year-round ornamental value with brilliant orange-red autumn leaves and mottled, exfoliating tan-and-gray winter bark.

$65⁴⁰

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Plant Size

#1 Container 2-3 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least four to six hours of direct sunlight daily for the best bloom production and fall color. In hotter southern zones, provide afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching during the peak of summer.
Soil: This tree thrives in rich, acidic soil that drains away excess water quickly. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic compost or aged arborist chips to create a looser structure that allows the roots to breathe.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist, similar to a wrung-out sponge, especially during the first two years while the root system is getting established. While mature trees develop some drought tolerance, inconsistent watering during a heatwave can cause the edges of the leaves to turn brown and crispy.

Pruning Tips

Because these trees bloom on old wood, you should wait to prune until right after the flowers have faded in early summer. Think of pruning as a light haircut to remove dead wood or crossing branches, which helps maintain the tree’s beautiful natural vase shape and improves air circulation.

Fertilizer Needs

Use a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid applying high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this stimulates soft, new growth that can be easily damaged by the coming winter's first hard freeze.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Disease resistant, Edible, Flowering, Cold hardy, Deer-resistant, Fragrant, Attracts pollinators, Evergreen
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	20-30 ft
Width	20-30 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Peaty
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	Pink, White
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Dogwood
Botanical Name	Cornus kousa chinensis
Species	kousa chinensis
Class	Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

A Four-Season Masterpiece for Your Landscape

The Kousa Dogwood, or Cornus kousa var. chinensis, is widely considered one of the most elegant small trees available for the home landscape. Often called the Chinese Dogwood, this variety is celebrated for having larger flower bracts and a more vigorous habit than the species. Its year starts with a vase-shaped silhouette that gradually matures into a regal, rounded canopy. As the seasons shift, so does the personality of this tree, offering a sensory experience that transitions from lush greenery to a fiery autumn display.

Extraordinary Late-Spring Blooms

While the native Flowering Dogwood finishes its show early, the Chinese Dogwood takes center stage in late May and June. The "flowers" are actually a collection of four creamy-white, pointed bracts that surround a small cluster of yellowish-green true flowers. These bracts can reach up to 5 inches across, often appearing in such profusion that they completely obscure the dark green foliage. Because they bloom later, they are less susceptible to late spring frosts, ensuring a reliable display year after year.

Edible Jewels and Autumn Fire

By late summer, the blooms transition into unique, hanging red fruits that resemble large raspberries. These fruits are technically edible with a custard-like interior, though they are most often prized as a magnet for local birds and butterflies. As the weather cools, the oval, pointed leaves transform into a spectacular palette of orange and deep red. Even in the dead of winter, the Kousa Dogwood remains a focal point; its mature bark begins to exfoliate, revealing a mottled pattern of tan, gray, and brown that looks stunning against a backdrop of snow.

Superior Disease Resistance

One of the greatest benefits of planting Cornus kousa chinensis is its incredible durability. Unlike many other dogwood varieties, the Kousa has excellent natural resistance to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew. This makes it a low-maintenance, high-reward choice for specimen planting near patios, in woodland gardens, or as a focal point in a well-manicured lawn.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big does a Kousa Dogwood tree get at maturity?

Kousa Dogwood trees typically reach 15-25 feet tall and wide at maturity. They start with a vase-shaped form when young, then develop into a rounded canopy over time. Plan for adequate spacing since they can spread as wide as they are tall.

What are the soil, sun, and water requirements for planting Kousa Dogwood?

Kousa Dogwood thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with morning sun and afternoon shade. It tolerates drought once established but benefits from consistent moisture during its first growing season. Plant in zones 5-8 and shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens.

Is it too late to plant a Kousa Dogwood now, or can I plant it in fall/winter?

Kousa Dogwoods can be planted in fall when they're dormant, allowing roots to establish before spring growth. Fall planting is actually preferred in most climates since it reduces transplant stress. Plant at least 6-8 weeks before hard frost hits your area.

How far should I space Kousa Dogwood from buildings, driveways, or other trees?

Plant Kousa Dogwoods 15-20 feet from buildings and other trees to accommodate their mature rounded canopy. This spacing prevents crowding as they develop their full spread and ensures proper air circulation. Allow extra room near driveways to showcase the beautiful exfoliating bark pattern that develops with age.

Does Kousa Dogwood need pruning, and when is the best time?

Kousa Dogwood requires minimal pruning due to its naturally attractive growth habit. Light pruning is best done in late fall or winter after the tree goes dormant to avoid disturbing its spectacular late spring bloom show. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain its elegant vase-to-rounded shape available at naturehills.com.

Is Kousa Dogwood resistant to diseases and pests that affect native dogwoods?

Yes, Kousa Dogwood has excellent natural resistance to dogwood anthracne and powdery mildew, the two major diseases that plague native dogwoods. This superior disease resistance makes it a much more reliable and low-maintenance choice for your landscape.

How do you protect young Kousa Dogwood from deer or winter cold?

Young Kousa Dogwoods benefit from winter protection in their first 2-3 years. Wrap the trunk with burlap and apply 3-4 inches of mulch around the base. For deer protection, install 6-foot fencing or use repellent sprays during growing season.

What is your warranty or guarantee if the Kousa Dogwood dies after shipping?

Nature Hills offers a one-year guarantee on trees, including Kousa Dogwoods, when planted and cared for properly according to their guidelines. This covers replacement if the tree fails to establish despite proper planting in suitable conditions. Contact customer service with photos and planting details if issues arise within the first growing season.