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Chinese Dogwood Cornus kousa Chinensis

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Product Description

CORNUS KOUSA CHINENSIS – Chinese Dogwood

Characteristics

Chinese Dogwood is a small tree or large shrub, which grows rather slowly to 8m (25ft).

It has an upright habit, widening with age. The major attraction of this dogwood is the display of large pink-white flower bracts which appear in early summer, are long lasting and can turn pinker as they age. Strawberry-like red fruits follow on, which are edible but an acquired taste. The leaves are green and rounded, changing to handsome reds and purples in autumn.

Where to grow

Cornus kousa Chinensis is best grown as a specimen tree in a fertile, humus-rich and neutral to acid soil in full sun or partial shade. It is not recommended for poor or shallow soils.

Slow-growing when young, but can speed up after a few years when established. Cornus kousa Chinensis is best left to develop a branched head with minimal amounts of pruning. Dead wood should be removed after flowering; they do not like hard pruning.

Did you know?

This variety of Cornus kousa was introduced from the Hupeh province of China by E.H. Wilson in 1907. Botanically seemingly identical to the type, it grows more freely and has larger flower bracts which can have pink tinges. It can get a little larger, maybe reaching 8m (25ft), and has a long spell of autumn colour making it an extremely suitable tree for the small garden.

Features

Mature Height

Small - 5-10 metres

Spread

0-5 metres

Shape / Habit

Pyramidal
Shrub Multi-Stem

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

All soil types

Sun Levels

Full sun
Partial shade

Difficulty / Hard to Grow

Medium

Evergreen / Deciduous

Deciduous

Autumn Colour

Orange
Purple
Red
Yellow

Leaf Colour

Green

Foliage

Dense
Small leaves

Flower Colour

White

Flowering Type

Single

Flowering Month

June

Berries / Fruit Colour

Red

Uses

Garden Tree
Small garden Tree
City/Urban Sites
Flower Arranging

Season

Autumn
Spring

Other Features

Needs shelter

Aftercare

Pruning Cornus Kousa Chinensis

Once established, keep pruning of Cornus Kousa Chinensis to a minimum. If growing as a multi-stemmed tree, thin our any congested shoots and then it mature in its natural form. Training as a clear stemmed standard is possible, just be careful to not remove too many lateral stems at a time – no more than a quarter of the young height is a sensible guide to follow.

What time of year should I prune? Cornus’ can be pruned from Autumn through to early Spring.

For the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below.

Watering

The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days.

Weed Control

One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass.

  1. Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot.
  2. Weed killer is very effective, however it is harmful to the environment. Organic weed killers usually do not kill roots. Weed killer needs to be applied each year for the first 3 years, preferably when the tree is dormant, or just once before applying a mulch mat.
  3. Mowing or strimming is NOT an answer to the problem. Each time you mow, the grass will grow back more vigorously and strimming invariably leads to lacerated trunks.

Staking

If trees are not correctly secured they will rock in the planting pit. Roots not firmly in contact with the soil are unable to take up moisture and nutrients, resulting in die back or death of the tree. Check, particularly after windy weather, that stakes are still solidly in the ground keeping the base of the trunk firm. The purpose of the stakes is to anchor the roots. Flexing in the wind, higher up the trunk, is not necessarily a problem if the roots are firm.

Bellow is list of the correct system to use to secure your trees.

  • 40/60, 60/80, 80/100 whips - Unless rabbit/deer problem no need to stake.
  • 100/125, 125/150 1.2m Cane and Easi tie.
  • 150/175 1.2m square stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • 175/250, 6/8, 8/10 15L 1.65 Tree stake and a buckle tie and spacer.
  • All larger trees. 2 x 1.65 Tree stake and cross rail with 38mm cushion spacer and 1m of 38mm strapping.

Ties

Always use our recommended tree ties or strapping. These are designed and manufactured with the correct amount of give to hold the tree firm without strangling it. They should be checked at the end of each growing season for adjustment as the trunk thickens. Non proprietary materials such as baler twine will cut into the bark and should not be used.

Protection from Animal Damage

Rabbits, deer, sheep, cattle and horses can all potentially damage trees. Ask us for advice on the most appropriate guards for your trees or hedge. Squirrels are also a terrible pest when trees get to about 20ft tall but there is no protection available.

Are the delivery costs the same no matter how many plants I order?

Yes the delivery costs stay the same no matter how many plants you have on your order. They are worked out based on your distance from our nursery and can be found here.

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