Eastern redbud and Kousa dogwood are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Cercis canadensis 3.5 m × 3 m after 10 years
Eastern redbud is a small, often multi-stemmed ornamental tree: in spring, before the leaves, rosy pink to purple pea flowers cover the bare…
Cornus kousa 3 m × 2.5 m after 10 years
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…
Eastern redbud grows faster than Kousa dogwood.
Kousa dogwood needs less care than Eastern redbud.
Kousa dogwood is cheaper: about €9 at the size usually planted, against about €130 for Eastern redbud.
|
Feature
|
Eastern redbud
|
Kousa dogwood
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Small tree | Small tree |
| Size after 10 years | 3.5 m × 3 m | 3 m × 2.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 4–9 m × 4–9 m | 4.5–9 m × 4.5–9 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slow |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, pink, purple | May–June, white, pink |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 400 cm | 400 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €130 | approx. €9 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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