Pollinator Edible

Chinese Dogwood

Cornus kousa var. chinensis

$23.00 Sold out
1 Gallon USDA Zones 5–8 Part Shade and Full Sun Matures 20–25 Feet

Cornus kousa var. chinensis is the Chinese dogwood, a disease-resistant kousa with pointed white bracts in early summer, red fall color, and raspberry-like fruit for birds.

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This Chinese dogwood is a spreading, small to medium deciduous tree with clean foliage and showy white-bracted flowers. Unlike the native American flowering dogwood, the bracts are sharply pointed. The tree flowers about a month later than Cornus florida, and is apparently immune or resistant to some of the disease problems that trouble Cornus florida in certain areas. A fine ornamental for an open, semi-shady lawn or border.

As a variety of the kousa dogwood, this Chinese form carries the same star-like early-summer bloom, glossy foliage that reddens in fall, and raspberry-like fruit the birds enjoy, on a slightly more open, spreading frame. The showy bracts open white and often blush pink as they age, floating against fresh green since the tree blooms after leafing out.

Site the Chinese dogwood as a specimen near a patio or path, or at a woodland edge among azaleas and other understory companions, where the late-spring bracts read against a darker backdrop. Give high shade or morning sun with afternoon shelter in the hottest gardens, and enjoy a dogwood that shrugs off much of the disease that troubles the natives.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–8
Sun
Part Shade, Full Sun
Soil
Moist, Well-drained
Mature size
Height 20–25 Feet · Spread 15–20 Feet
Growth rate
Slow to Moderate
Seasonality
Deciduous
Design Notes

An ornamental small tree for an open, semi-shady lawn, a mixed border, or a woodland edge among azaleas and other understory companions, where the late-spring bracts read against a darker backdrop and the red fall color and bird-friendly fruit extend the season. The Chinese dogwood resists much of the disease that troubles the native flowering dogwoods, an easy, spreading specimen for sun or high shade.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Pointed white bracts, aging pink, late spring to early summer

Flower. Large, sharply pointed white bracts surround a small cluster of true flowers in late spring to early summer, often blushing pink with age and floating against fresh green, since the tree blooms after leafing out.

Fruit. Round, raspberry-like red fruits ripen in late summer and fall, edible and enjoyed by birds.

Foliage. Clean, glossy green leaves turn red to purplish in autumn on a spreading, open frame.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun to part shade; part shade eases leaf scorch in hot regions, full sun suits cooler ones.

Soil. Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral ground enriched with organic matter; avoid soggy soil.

Water. Keep evenly moist, especially while establishing; established trees take short dry spells but prefer steady moisture.

Planting and pruning. Set the root flare high, never deep. Prune lightly in late winter to remove dead wood and any basal suckers.

Hardiness. USDA zones 5 to 8.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

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We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.