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Cornus kousa
Cornus kousa
Cornus kousa
Cornus kousa

Cornus kousa

TAXONOMY

FamilyCornaceae
GenusCornus
Zone5

ABOUT

Cornus kousa, commonly known as Kousa Dogwood or Japanese Dogwood, is a deciduous tree or shrub native to East Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan. It is known for its beautiful white to pink bracts that appear in late spring and its attractive red fruits in the fall. The plant prefers temperate climates and goes through a dormancy period during the winter months.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Benthamia Japonica
Benthamidia Japonica
Dendrobenthamia Japonica
Japanese Dogwood
Japanese Flowering Dogwood
Benthamia kousa
Cynoxylon japonicum
Cynoxylon kousa
Kousa dogwood

OVERVIEW

WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Kousa Dogwood requires moderate temperatures and indirect bright light for optimal growth. It prefers soil that dries out partially between waterings and thrives in moderate humidity. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods, but avoid waterlogging the soil.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot. Adding organic matter can improve soil structure and fertility.
Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. Fertilize in early spring before new growth begins and again in mid-summer. Avoid over-fertilizing as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
Repotting
Repot young plants every 2-3 years to provide fresh soil and more space for root growth. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repot in early spring before new growth starts.
Propagation
Propagate Kousa Dogwood through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cuttings in a humid environment until roots develop.
Pruning
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain a healthy structure. Light pruning can also be done after flowering to shape the plant.
Toxicity
Kousa Dogwood is not toxic to pets or humans. However, the fruits are not particularly palatable and are generally not consumed.
Additional
Kousa Dogwood is relatively low-maintenance once established and can be a beautiful addition to gardens and landscapes. It is resistant to many common pests and diseases that affect other dogwoods.
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