Cornus kousa is a deciduous flowering dogwood native to eastern Asia. It is the national flower of South Korea. The plant is also known as the Japanese dogwood, Chinese dogwood, and Korean dogwood.
Related plant:
Cornus Sericea Flaviramea
About soil condition, the cornus kousa (Kousa dogwood) is not too demanding. It grows well in average, medium to wet, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including clay. It prefers a neutral to acidic pH, but it is adaptable. It is not tolerant of salt.
Just like other trees and plants, the Cornus kousa needs sun to survive. However, this tree is more tolerant to shade than most. It can grow in areas that receive little to no direct sunlight, as long as there is some indirect light present. This makes the Cornus kousa a great choice for homeowners who want to add some green to their landscape without having to worry about too much sun exposure.
The temperature condition of cornus kousa is relatively warm. It prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil, but can tolerate some shade. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not wet. In the spring, the plant will produce small, white flowers. These flowers will eventually turn into small, red fruits. The cornus kousa is a beautiful plant that can add a lot of interest to your garden.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 50%. If the humidity is too low, the plant will suffer from dehydration and if it is too high, the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.
Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant is low-maintenance and does not require a lot of supplemental feeding. An organic mulch around the base of the tree will help keep the roots cool and moist, and also provide some essential nutrients.
Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. The plant can be cut back quite severely and will still recover. Cut back about one-third of the previous year's growth.
Propagation of Cornus kousa is usually done by seed, although the plant can also be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings taken from the previous year's growth. The seed should be sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe, and the seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent positions in the spring. Softwood cuttings can be taken from late spring to early summer, and hardwood cuttings should be taken in the fall.
Usually, the plant growth rate studies have been conducted in Asia, where the species is native. The average annual growth rate of cornus kousa in these studies is between 10 and 15 cm (4-6 in). However, a study in the United Kingdom found that the average growth rate of cornus kousa was only 5 cm (2 in) per year. The slower growth rate in the UK is likely due to the cooler climate.
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker. Powdery mildew is a white, powdery fungus that can cover the leaves and stems of the plant. Leaf spot is a black or brown spot that appears on the leaves. Canker is a sunken, dead area on the stem or trunk of the plant.
Source:
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)-Hort Answers - University of
Cornus kousa - hvp.osu.edu
Kousa Dogwood Prolongs Springs Beauty | NC State Extension