kousa dogwood
Cornus kousa 'Fireworks'
Overview
Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa 'Fireworks') is an amazing flowering tree! Its eye-catching blooms feature delicate shades of pink, white, and crimson on off-shooting branches. When planted in groups, the effect is truly spectacular. This tree also exhibits great leaf color in fall, with the leaves changing to shades of bronze and reddish-purple. This is the perfect ornamental tree for any garden. Tough and hardy, it grows in nearly any soil condition, and is also disease and pest resistant. With the added bonus of small, strawberry-like fruits in the summer, it's an incredibly beautiful and low maintenance addition to the landscape.
Care Guide
Watering
Kousa dogwood, also known as Cornus kousa 'Fireworks,' should be watered thoroughly about once a week with about 1 inch of water. During warmer months, especially periods of drought, an increase of 1 to 2 extra waterings a week may be necessary. To ensure the soil is adequately moist, water until it starts to trickle from the bottom of the container. During winter months, reduce watering to ensure that the soil does not become soggy. The Kousa dogwood also appreciates being misted with water occasionally to increase humidity around the plant.
Light
Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa 'Fireworks') will thrive in part sun to full sun locations. It should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While this plant can tolerate some shade, it will produce more vibrant floral displays when grown in full sun. For maximum flowering, the kousa dogwood should receive full sun during the morning and afternoon, with some afternoon shade. If possible, place the kousa dogwood in an east- or west-facing location to maximize its exposure to the sun but still benefit from evening shade.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 4-8.
Pruning
Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa 'Fireworks') should typically be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning should be minimal and only enough to remove dead, damaged or crossing branches. Kousa dogwood does not require much pruning, so when pruning limit if to removing dead, overlapping, or crossing branches and shaping the plant. When pruning, be sure to avoid removing more than ⅓ of the plant at 1 time to prevent damage or undue stress.
Propagation
Grafting Propagation, Cutting, Layering Propagation, Air Layering Propagation, Tissue Culture, Seed Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies.
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