Cornus kousa (also known as Flowering Dogwood or Szechuan strawberry) brings a quiet elegance to the garden, unfolding its beauty in deliberate, painterly layers. In early summer, the tree is transformed by a constellation of creamy white bracts that sit like poised stars along its tiered branches, giving it a sculptural, almost architectural presence. As the months drift on, the display deepens: the foliage warms into bronzes, crimsons, and purples, and curious strawberry‑like fruits appear, adding a touch of whimsy to its refined silhouette. Slow‑growing and impeccably behaved, Cornus kousa earns its place as a standout specime, one of those rare plants that feels as though it elevates the entire garden simply by being there. Originally from China, Japan and Korea, it will instantlt add a delicate feel of thr East to any garden.
Varieties in stock
Cornus × rutgersensis Stellar Pink – Admired for its graceful form and showy, pink-tinged bracts. A cross between Cornus kousa and Cornus florida, this deciduous tree has exceptional beauty. In late spring, it produces large, overlapping bracts that transition from soft pink to deeper hues, surrounding a central cluster of tiny green flowers. Its lush, green foliage turns brilliant shades of red and purple in autumn. Ideal as a specimen or a focal point. Height 4-8m. Grow in well drained neutral to acidic soil in full sun or partial shade and shelter from cold drying winds.
Cornus ‘Zambra’ – A striking, deciduous small tree prized for its colourful variegated foliage and seasonal interest. Leaves emerge green with soft cream margins, which gradually flush pink as the season progresses, creating a bright, decorative effect through summer. In early summer, small green flowers are surrounded by elegant creamy-white bracts, sometimes followed in autumn by ornamental strawberry-like fruits. Autumn colour develops in warm shades of red and purple. With a neat, spreading habit, it makes an excellent specimen for the garden. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Cornus kousa var. chinensis ‘China Girl’ – This large shrub/small tree is vigorous and very free-flowering from a young age. Small clusters of tiny, greenish flowers appear in summer surrounded by large, showy, white bracts, followed by fleshy, deep pink strawberry like fruit. Its dark green, oval leaves turn red and orange in autumn. A highly recommended addition to your garden to add interest.
Cornus kousa ‘Milky Way’ – One of our favourites, this is a real statement/feature tree. Large cream coloured petal-like bracts effectively look like flowers which smoother the tree in June creating an unmistakable display, resulting in strawberry like fruits that appear alongside beautiful autumn colour. Height and spread 4-8 metres. Plant in moist but well drained, sunny/partial shade position.
Cornus × elwinortonii Venus (‘Kn30 8’) – This vigorous Cornus has possibly the largest ‘flowers’ (they are actually bracts) of all the flowering dogwoods. These showy creamy-white bracts are up to 15cms across so this tree can be admired from afar aswell as up close. Strawberry like fruits follow in autumn along with attractive red, orange and purple coloured leaves. The RHS have given this its Award of Garden Merit (AGM) and its also great for pollinators too.
Cornus kousa ‘Cherokee’ – A deciduous tree prized for its spectacular spring display. In late spring, large showy white bracts surround clusters of tiny central flowers, creating a bold and elegant feature. Fresh green foliage forms a neat, spreading canopy through summer, before turning rich red and purple tones in autumn. Ideal as a specimen tree, Cornus ‘Cherokee’ thrives in well-drained, neutral to acidic soil in full sun or partial shade, where it will flourish beautifully.
Cornus nuttallii ‘Monarch’ – Cherished for its large, showy white bracts and impressive stature. This deciduous tree has a graceful, pyramidal to rounded form. In spring, its abundant creamy-white bracts, sometimes faintly tinged with pink, surround tiny central flowers, creating a striking display. In autumn, its green foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, complemented by clusters of bright red fruits. Height 4-8m. Grows in most soil condition in full sun or partial shade.
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