Cornus kousa 'Melanie'PBR
kousa 'Melanie'
A vigorous, graceful, columnar shrub to 3m in height. Leaves variegated, oval and pointed, a slightly ruffled pure white or cream margin contrasting with the green centre. Good autumn colour. Slender stellate shaped, petal-like bracts are greenish white or very pale green with a narrow white border around a small green flowerhead. These appear sprinkled daintily against the foliage. Red, strawberry-like fruits are borne in autumn.
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | White Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Cream Pink | Red | ||
| Winter | Grey Silver Brown |
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 GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched, Columnar upright
- 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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