Cornus kousa 'Madame Butterfly'
kousa 'Madame Butterfly'
'Madame Butterfly' is a small tree to about 7m with pointed, dark green leaves turning red and purple in autumn. In early summer, tight clusters of small, greenish flowers are surrounded by large, creamy-white bracts with dark pink tips that turn upwards to resemble butterflies. Edible, deep pink, strawberry-like fruit follow
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | Pink | |
| Autumn | Purple Red | Pink | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or light shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus
Get involved
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