Kousa Dogwood Tree

Cornus kousa chinensis

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

Product variants

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Disease resistant, Edible, Flowering, Cold hardy, Deer-resistant, Fragrant, Attracts pollinators, and Evergreen

Specifications

Botanical Name

Cornus kousa chinensis
Height

20-30 ft
Width

20-30 ft
Growing Zones

5-8
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Pink
- White
Leaf Color
- Green
- Red
- Purple
Fall Color

Red to Purple
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Pollinator Required

No
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, FL, HI, ID, MT, OR

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.

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.

Full sun in MA?

Will this tree do well planted in full sun in Massachusetts?

Hello Donna,

Thank you so much for reaching out with your question! We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness in ensuring your tree thrives in your Massachusetts garden. Many trees do well planted in full sun here, but it definitely depends on the specific variety you're looking to plant. If you’d like to share the name of the tree, we can provide detailed guidance on sun requirements and care tips to help it flourish in your area. In general, Massachusetts offers a favorable climate for many sun-loving trees, and planting in full sun can often enhance growth and blooming.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with more details or for personalized recommendations! We’re here to support your gardening every step of the way.

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

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

Kousa Dogwood

I place this in my backyard between my 2 Summer Red Maple Trees. It is doing quite nicely. Cant wait for it to mature.

Dear Cin F.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your Kousa Dogwood! It’s wonderful to hear that it is thriving in your backyard alongside your Summer Red Maples. The way you’ve positioned it sounds perfect, and we’re sure it will bring even more beauty as it matures. If you ever need tips on care or ways to help it flourish further, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always here to help every step of the way!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Kousa Dogwood

I place this in my backyard between my 2 Summer Red Maple Trees. It is doing quite nicely. Cant wait for it to mature.

Hi Cynthia,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with your new Kousa Dogwood! It’s wonderful to hear that it’s doing well breezed in nicely between your two Summer Red Maples. This beautiful 위치 combined with the gentle presence of maples will surely create a lush backyard oasis as it matures.

As your dogwood grows, you can look forward to its stunning layered, trumpet-shaped blooms and vibrant fall foliage, making your garden truly impressive year-round. To help it thrive, just ensure it gets consistent watering, especially during dry spells, and consider applying a light mulch to conserve moisture and protect its roots in winter.

If you ever need tips on pruning or seasonal care, we’d love to assist — don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing your lovely garden continued growth and beauty!

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

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

Kousa Dogwood Tree

Plant Sentry™

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