Native to Japan and Korea, Cornus kousa is a large shrub or tree with two good seasons of interest. In early summer it bears white bracts with tiny flowers in the centre, set against the green leaves, and in autumn the leaves flare bronze and crimson. In a good year there will also be strawberry-like pink fruit in autumn.Grow Cornus kousa in rich soil with well-rotted compost, in full sun to partial shade. It’s an ideal choice for a small garden.
The flowering dogwood neither likes lasting dryness, nor dammed-up water. Therefore, it should be assisted by watering during dry heat waves. Pay attention to soft water with little lime. It is best to use water from the rain barrel when it is too hot.
For fertilizing, it is sufficient to use mature compost from time to time which is carefully added to the soil with a garden claw. Mature dung or high-quality finished fertilizer can be used before flowering as well. It should be noted, however, that the dogwood is sensitive to excessive nutrient admixtures, less is more.
The soil has to be rich in humus and of a slightly acidic to neutral character. At the same time the soil must not be too heavy and it is supposed to have a high permeability. Otherwise, mix it with sand, but pay attention to a high nutrient density.
An annual cut-back and the removal of several shoots are at the discretion of the gardener. In general this is not required, because the dogwood forms a naturally beautiful crown. In individual cases and for some varieties, however, this can be useful.
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