kousa dogwood
Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Madison' CROWN JEWEL
Overview
The Kousa Dogwood is a majestic plant, bearing colorful ornamental blooms, glossy, dark foliage and showy fruit displays. Its unique look—chocolate-colored branches and spectacular creamy white blossoms—makes it an ideal landscaping choice. In June, these graceful trees provide a stunning backdrop of light colors and foliage texture. As summer progresses, the masses of pink fruit dotting the branches create a unique visual display. Hardy and low-maintenance, Kousa Dogwood is ravenously adored by gardeners – truly a crown jewel of any garden.
Care Guide
Watering
The Kousa Dogwood (Cornus Kousa var. Chinensis 'Madison' CROWN JEWEL) should be watered every 5-7 days when soil is dry to the touch and about 1 inch deep. When watering, thoroughly soak the soil so that the water penetrates deep into the root zone. Avoid frequent light watering because it can lead to root rot. Watering should be reduced in the winter months when the plant is dormant. When there has been a heavy rainfall, it may not necessary to water the plant during those days. If you are not sure whether you should water the Kousa Dogwood or not, it is best to hold off until you are certain.
Light
Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Madison' CROWN JEWEL) should be planted in an area that receives full sun to part shade exposure, meaning it should receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 4–8.
Pruning
Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Madison' CROWN JEWEL) should be pruned twice a year - once in late summer and again in late winter/early spring. During the late summer pruning, remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any branches that cross over 1 another should be trimmed or removed. In late winter/early spring, prune any weak and/or twiggy growth to stimulate new strong shoots. When possible, cut the branches back to another branch or branch union. Finally, lightly prune the shrub to the desired shape. For shrubs that are overgrown and more heavily pruned, it is best to spread the work over 2 or 3 years rather than completing all of the work at once.
Propagation
Grafting Propagation, Cutting, Layering Propagation, Air Layering Propagation, Tissue Culture
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies.
Related plants
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