Kousa Dogwood Plant Care
Cornus kousa Bürger ex Hance
Cornus kousa is a small deciduous tree 8–12 m (26–39 ft) tall, in the flowering plant family Cornaceae. Common names include kousa, kousa dogwood, Chinese dogwood, Korean dogwood, and Japanese dogwood.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
0–100°F
40–70%
What Is the Kousa Dogwood?
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) belongs to the Cornaceae family within the Cornus genus. Kousa Dogwood is native to East Asia including Korea, China and Japan. Kousa Dogwood is also known as Chinese Dogwood, Japanese Dogwood, Korean Dogwood.
Kousa Dogwood displays a deciduous tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 20 inches tall with a spread of approximately 15 inches. Kousa Dogwood produces clusters of small, showy flowers in white, pink, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kousa Dogwood?
Cornus kousa requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kousa Dogwood Need?
Kousa Dogwood thrives in full sun to part shade light conditions. The optimal light range is 200–1000 lux. Avoid placing Kousa Dogwood in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
200–1000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Kousa Dogwood Prefer?
Cornus kousa grows best at temperatures between 0°F and 100°F. Kousa Dogwood prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
0–100°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kousa Dogwood?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Kousa Dogwood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Kousa Dogwood?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Kousa Dogwood?
Kousa Dogwood can be propagated through softwood cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dogwood tree plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Kousa Dogwood Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Kousa Dogwood?
Kousa Dogwood is susceptible to dogwood borer, scale insects, powdery mildew. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Keep exploring plants
Kousa Dogwood is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cornus genus — compare its care with other Cornus species on PlantoScan.
Kousa Dogwood tolerates low-light rooms and shaded spots — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Cornus Species
Other Cornus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
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