Cherry plum 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.
Prunus cerasifera 4.5 m × 3.5 m after 10 years
In gardens it is grown almost only in its purple-leaved forms: a small ornamental tree with a rounded crown that is covered in pale pink, scented…
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…
Cherry plum grows faster than Kousa dogwood.
Cherry plum tolerates drought better than Kousa dogwood.
Kousa dogwood needs less care than Cherry plum.
Kousa dogwood is non-toxic to children, Cherry plum is not.
Kousa dogwood is cheaper: about HUF 20,000 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 48,000 for Cherry plum.
|
Feature
|
Cherry plum
|
Kousa dogwood
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Small tree | Small tree |
| Size after 10 years | 4.5 m × 3.5 m | 3 m × 2.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 5–9 m × 3–7.5 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 | March–April, pink, white | May–June, white, pink |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low |
| Planting distance | 500 cm | 400 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Toxic (uncertain) | Non-toxic (uncertain) |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Non-toxic |
| Typical price | approx. HUF 48,000 | approx. HUF 20,000 |
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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