How to Grow Cornus Kousa - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

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.

How to Grow Cornus Kousa - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • fai tsai
  • Kousa Dogwood
  • Chinese Dogwood
  • Japan Dogwood
  • Strawberry Tree

Good to Know

  • Cornus kousa is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is native to East Asia.
  • It grows to a height of 10-15 m (33-49 ft) and has a lifespan of around 20 years.
  • The leaves are ovate-shaped and measure 7-15 cm (8-9 in) long and 4-8 cm (6-1 in) wide.
  • The flowers are white, borne in clusters of up to 30 blooms, and have a diameter of 3 cm (2 in).
  • The fruit is a spherical, red drupe, measuring 5-5 cm (0.6-1 in) in diameter.
  • Cornus kousa is tolerant of a wide range of soils and climates, but prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
  • It is generally pest and disease free, although it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils.
  • Cornus kousa is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping, due to its attractive flowers, foliage, and fruit.
  • It is also popular as a bonsai subject.
  • Cornus kousa is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world, such as Australia and New Zealand.

Related plant:
Cornus Sericea Flaviramea

How to Grow

  1. For cornus kousa, first step is to obtain a plant. You can grow cornus kousa from seed, but it is easier to purchase a young plant from a nursery.
  2. Choose a location in full sun to partial shade. Cornus kousa prefers a moist, well-drained soil, but it will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.
  3. Plant your cornus kousa in the spring or fall.
  4. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
  5. Apply a general purpose fertilizer once a year in the spring.
  6. Cornus kousa is a slow grower, so there is no need to prune it.
  7. In late spring or early summer, your cornus kousa will produce clusters of white flowers.
  8. These flowers will be followed by round, red fruits in the fall.
  9. The fruits are edible, but not particularly tasty. They can be used to make jelly or wine.
  10. Cornus kousa is generally a low maintenance plant. It is resistant to pests and diseases.

Soil Requirement

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.

Light requirement

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.

Ideal Temperature

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.

Humidity Level

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.

The Fertilizer

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.

About light

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.

About Propagating

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.

Growth Rate

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.

Basic Problems

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.

Tips on Growing

  • Do not forget to water your cornus kousa regularly. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.
  • Fertilize your cornus kousa every spring with a well-balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune any dead or diseased branches from the plant in early spring.
  • Cornus kousa can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, so be sure to check your plant regularly for signs of problems.
  • This plant does best in full sun to partial shade.
  • Cornus kousa is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but prefers fertile, well-drained soil.
  • This plant can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.
  • Cornus kousa is generally a low-maintenance plant,

Substitution

  • Cornus capitata
  • Cornus florida
  • Cornus nuttallii
  • Cornus sericea
  • Cornus stolonifera
  • Cornus torada
  • Cornus unalaschkensis
  • Cornus x
  • Cornus x media
  • Cornus x rutgersensis

Source:
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)-Hort Answers - University of …
Cornus kousa - hvp.osu.edu
Kousa Dogwood Prolongs Spring’s Beauty | NC State Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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