Cornus kousa 'National'
kousa 'National'
Becomes a large vigorous tree with a spreading vase shape up to 6m in height. Leaves, variegated, elliptic, pointed, margins sinuate splashed white with green centres, tuerning orange, red-purple in autumn. Large, wide, overlapping ivory, petal-like bracts surround small creamy flowerheads and are arranged in layers above the foliage in late spring, early summer. Large red fruits up to 4cm in diameter develop in autumn.
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | Variegated White Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red Purple | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- 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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