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 #3 Container 4-5 Feet

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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

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6	Week of March 2nd
Zone 7-12	Week of February 23rd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 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

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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Growing Zones 5-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Kousa Dogwood different from the American Flowering Dogwood?

The Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) blooms about 2-3 weeks later than the American Dogwood (Cornus florida). It also features pointed flower bracts rather than rounded ones and is significantly more resistant to common diseases like anthracnose.

Are the red berries on the Kousa Dogwood edible?

Yes, the fruits are edible. They have a tough outer skin and a soft, pulpy center with a sweet flavor. However, they are most popular as a food source for birds.

Does the Kousa Dogwood have invasive roots?

No, the root system is considered non-invasive and stays relatively compact, making it safe to plant near patios, walkways, or residential foundations.

Will this tree grow in heavy clay soil?

While it prefers well-drained sandy loams, it can tolerate some clay if the soil is amended with organic matter and is not allowed to stay waterlogged, as it requires good drainage.

Impressive

Very impressive quality. The size and tree description is exactly as described. The extra effort taken in the shipping container is unmatched. FedEx was very rough in handling and one day late in delivery. If the special packaging effort was not taken the tree probably would not have survived. The tree is recovering from the rough shipping and is looking well. Thank you!

Dear Robert,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your detailed feedback! We’re truly delighted to hear that the quality and description of your tree met your expectations, and that our special packaging made a positive difference during what sounds like a challenging shipping experience. We completely understand how rough handling by carriers like FedEx can cause concern, so it’s wonderful to know your tree is on the road to recovery and looking well.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like tips on helping your tree regain full health or any other plant care advice. We’re always here to support you in nurturing your new addition. Your kind words truly motivate us to continue our careful packaging efforts to deliver the best possible trees.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

dogwood

got in great shape, well protected

Hello Charles,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that your dogwood arrived in great shape and well protected—that winning combination makes all the difference for a smooth planting experience. If you ever have questions about caring for your dogwood or want tips to help it thrive throughout the seasons, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support you withAdvice or resources to keep your tree flourishing.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

dogwood

got in great shape, well protected

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your dogwood! We're delighted to hear that it arrived in great shape and well protected. We take extra care to ensure that each plant is securely packed to give you the best possible start with your new addition.

If you ever have any questions about caring for your dogwood or need tips on planting and maintenance to help it thrive, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way on your gardening journey!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

delicious

The red berries have big seeds but the flavor is mm mm good to taste. just spit the seeds out.

Dear Kousa L.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with your Kousa Dogwood Tree! We’re delighted to hear that you’re enjoying the delicious flavor of the red berries. Yes, those seeds can indeed be quite large—it’s great advice to simply spit them out while savoring the fruit.

If you’re interested in other ways to enjoy the berries, some customers like to use them in jams or sauces once they’ve removed the seeds, which enhances their delightful flavor without the fuss. Also, if you ever want to propagate more Kousa Dogwoods, the seeds are a great start, but just be mindful they require a cold stratification period for the best germination results. We’re happy to send care tips anytime!

Thanks again for sharing your feedback—it helps fellow plant lovers make the most of their nature finds.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Zone 4

This Dogwood is doing very well in zone 4 (Wisconsin) No flowers yet after 2 years but still very healthy tree! I will buy another.

Dear Lassonde,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Kousa Dogwood Tree in zone 4 Wisconsin! We're delighted to hear that your tree is thriving and staying healthy, even though the flowers haven’t shown up yet. It’s not uncommon for Kousa Dogwoods to take a few years—sometimes 3 to 5—before they begin blooming, especially as they establish themselves, so your tree is right on track.

To encourage flowering in the future, make sure it’s getting plenty of well-drained soil and sunlight—these trees do best in full sun to partial shade. Avoid heavy pruning in late summer or fall since Kousa Dogwoods set flower buds for the next season during that time. Patience is definitely paying off here!

We’re delighted to hear you'd consider buying another tree from us; please don’t hesitate to reach out for additional planting or care tips to ensure continued success.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Kousa Dogwood Tree