Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'China Girl'

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese dogwood 'China Girl'
Chinese dogwood 'China Girl' RHS

Synonyms

Cornus kousa 'China Girl'

Award of Garden Merit
Shrubs Trees

A large shrub or small tree, vigorous and very free-flowering from a young age. Dark green, oval leaves turn red and orange in autumn. Small clusters of tiny, greenish flowers appear in summer surrounded by large, showy, white bracts and are followed by fleshy, deep pink fruit

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

4-8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
20–50 years
Max Spread
4-8 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus