Chinese Dogwood (aka Kousa Dogwood)
A relatively low maintenance tree, Chinese Dogwood, does not require pruning, however due to it's multi-stemmed, strongly horizontal habit of growth and low canopy (typically about 3 feet from the ground), Chinese Dogwoods tend to grow much like a shrub unless shaped. If shaping is desired, pruning should be done after flowering and fruiting to avoid removing any of the current season's crop. If left to themselves (and depending on variety) these trees are capable of growing 20 feet tall and wide at a medium rate, and are very suitable for planting under power lines.
Chinese Dogwoods are disease-resistant and easy to grow. They do best in full sun to partial shade, and in average to evenly moist conditions - but will not tolerate standing water, and must have good drainage. For optimum growth, the soil should be rich in organic matter, well fertilized and mulched. The soil needs to be on the acidic side (around 5.5 ph) as these trees are subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils.
Hardy to -20°F (USDA zone 5).
Satomi, Chinese Dogwood
Only a few left!
With year-round appeal, Satomi dogwood will make a gorgeous addition to your landscape. In the spring, tiny green blooms arrive surrounded by white bracts that soon turn to pink. These flowers last longer than most flowering plants - for usually around 6 weeks. Soon, they give way to striking red fruit which can persist into winter if not eaten first by people or birds. The leaves which start out dark green on top and blue-green on the underside turn a deep purplish red in the fall. When the leaves fall, they uncover the attractive dappled bark to be enjoyed all through the winter.
Satomi's growth habit is broad, multi-stemmed, and vase shaped crown maturing to around 15-20 feet tall and wide. These are somewhat shallow rooted trees, with a fibrous root system and do best in moist soil with high organic content. The flower bract color can be affected by the soil and the weather: in warm and/or dry soil they will tend to be lighter pink; in cool moist soil they will tend to be more on the pinkish/red side.
Summerfun, Chinese Dogwood
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This beautiful plant will dazzle you all through the growing season! In the spring the leaves start off edged with pink and white slowly maturing to gorgeous pure white edges contrasting nicely with the green leaf centers. In late spring the star shaped white blooms arrive turning to bright red raspberry fruit in late summer to early fall. In autumn the foliage turns a vivid red-orange with pink tinges. Summerfun can get up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, or you can prune it to keep it smaller. This variety of Chinese Dogwood appears to be deer resistant (but resistance is not immunity).