How to Care for Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood)

Korean name: 산딸나무

Cornus kousa is a medium-sized deciduous tree known for its star-shaped white flowers and red fall foliage. It produces red fruit after flowering and is popular as an ornamental garden tree. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers partial sun.

Key facts

• Category: Garden tree & shrub
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Where to keep: outdoors
• Native to: East Asia (Korea, Japan, China)
• Growth rate: Moderate
• Pets: No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.
• Traits: deciduous, garden tree, fall foliage, ornamental, medium size
• Also known as: Kousa Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood

Care Guide

• Light: Grows well in bright, indirect sunlight.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the topsoil feels dry.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
• Humidity: Maintain average humidity.
• Temperature: 15~25°C
• Fertilizer: Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and fall.

Common questions

How often should you water Cornus kousa?

Water thoroughly when the topsoil feels dry. Roughly every 7 days is the baseline; adjust for the season and the spot it sits in.

Where should you keep Cornus kousa?

It likes Grows well in bright, indirect sunlight.. You can grow it outdoors. Use Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil..

Is Cornus kousa safe around pets?

No known toxicity, so it is fine to keep around pets.

Is Cornus kousa good for beginners?

Difficulty: Moderate. Keep it around 15~25°C. Humidity: Maintain average humidity.. Fertilise Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring and fall..