Oriental Dogwood is one of the most decorative trees in the garden. It originates from Japan, China, and Korea. Its unique loose, layered crown makes it an original element of the garden. The flowers of the kousa dogwood are not very visible or particularly decorative. The main ornament of these plants is the bracts, which surround the flowers and come in various colours and sizes. There are varieties with white, pink, greenish, or cream bracts, which contribute to the attractiveness of a particular variety. The flowering period comes in May and June.
The leaves of kousa dogwoods also vary in colour, especially in autumn, when they turn into different hues. It is worth noting that in autumn, numerous edible fruits appear in the form of hanging, orange, or red balls, which are eagerly eaten by birds. Kousa dogwoods are hardy plants (USDA Zone 6-9) and can be planted all around the country. They do not require pruning.
The best location for kousa dogwoods is fertile, rather moist, humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5) soil, in areas sheltered from the wind, sunny or semi-shaded. During harsh winters, it is recommended to cover the ground with a 10-15 cm layer of mulch to protect the root system from severe frost.
