What soil does Kousa dogwood grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic.

Is Kousa dogwood hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Kousa dogwood toxic to children?

No. Reliable sources list it as non-toxic to children.

How far from the house should Kousa dogwood be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 1.5 m from paving.

When does Kousa dogwood flower?

Flowering: May–June, white, pink.

How much water does Kousa dogwood need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Kousa dogwood cost?

It sells for roughly €6.90 to €700 in local shops, depending on size.

Kousa dogwood

Cornus kousa

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) is a small tree. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Non-toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about €6.90.

Illustration of Kousa dogwood — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An elegant, slow small tree or large shrub that carries white, star-shaped bracts for weeks in late spring, then turns red in autumn and bears raspberry-like edible fruit. Give it acidic to neutral, humus-rich, moist soil and preferably some afternoon shade. In a hot, dry spot the leaves scorch without watering, and on lime they turn yellow.

Watch out for

In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe the leaf edges scorch in full sun when the soil dries out, so mulch and water it. Chlorosis on alkaline soil and root rot in heavy wet clay can occur. Powdery mildew and leaf spots turn up, but it is far more disease resistant than flowering dogwood. Fallen ripe fruit is messy on paving and attracts wasps.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 3 m × 2.5 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, white, pink

Group	Small tree
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	3 m × 2.5 m
Ultimate size	4.5–9 m × 4.5–9 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	May–June, white, pink
Harvest	September–October
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 1.5 m
Litter	Fruit
Planting distance	400 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Non-toxic
Typical price	from about €6.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
50-60 cm	approx. €24
60-70 cm	approx. €6.90
60-80 cm	approx. €27
80-100 cm	approx. €26
100-125 cm	approx. €72
125-150 cm	approx. €160
150-175 cm	approx. €190
175-200 cm	approx. €200
size not stated	approx. €37 – €700

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants that are non-toxic to children Small ornamental trees Small trees for beside paths and paving Plants with autumn colour Plants with edible fruit

Compare with similar plants

Kousa dogwood vs Cherry plum Kousa dogwood vs Eastern redbud Kousa dogwood vs Rowan

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