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chinese dogwood

Chinese dogwood is a show-stopping ornamental tree prized by gardeners in New Zealand for its outstanding beauty and versatile performance in the landscape. Known botanically as Cornus kousa, Chinese dogwood delivers a dazzling spring show with its creamy-white to blush-pink star-shaped flowers, which mature into raspberry-like fruit in late summer. The tree’s graceful layered branching, lush green foliage, and brilliant autumn colour make it a four-season highlight for any garden. Whether you’re after a specimen tree for your lawn, a beautiful backdrop for a mixed border, or a reliable small tree for urban spaces, Chinese dogwood offers a wealth of benefits for both novice and expert gardeners.

A Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood) specimen tree.

Cornus controversa

Cornus controversa, commonly known as the Giant Dogwood, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that features lush foliage that emerges mid-green in spring, ages to become dark green, then develops colourful red and purple tones in autumn before falling.

From $383.29

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 10.00 m
Spread: 6.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Frontyard, Japanese
nyssa-sinensis-6

Nyssa sinensis

Nyssa sinensis (Chinese Tupelo) is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its graceful form, glossy green foliage, and spectacular autumn colour. As the seasons change, the leaves transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning landscape display.

From $404.59

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' plants with yellow stems.
Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea'

Cornus stolonifera Flaviramea, commonly known as the Yellow Stem Dogwood, is a shrub that features bright yellow stems which become more pronounced...

From$270.40
Cornus 'Milky Way' specimen tree covered in masses of white flowers.
Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way' features large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy...

From$340.69
Buxus microphylla 'Koreana' (Korean Box) plant with lush, green foliage.
Buxus koreana (Korean Boxwood)

Buxus koreana, commonly known as Korean Box, is a cold-hardy, evergreen shrub ideal for low hedging and formal borders in New Zealand gardens. It...

From$16.95
Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.
Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid...

From$340.69
Cornus 'National' specimen tree with masses of cream-coloured flowers.
Cornus kousa National

Cornus kousa 'National' is a deciduous tree that features large and showy, cream white flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in...

From$270.40
Abutilon megapotamicum red and yellow flower.
Abutilon megapotamicum

Abutilon megapotamicum, commonly known as Trailing Abutilon or Chinese Lantern, is a graceful shrub with arching stems and distinctive red and yellow...

From$22.95
Cornus 'Spring Song' rose-pink flowers.
Cornus florida 'Spring Song'

Cornus florida 'Spring Song' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, rose-pink flowers are...

From$340.69
A Cornus 'Cloud 9' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.
Cornus 'Cloud 9'

Cornus 'Cloud 9' produces masses of showy, single, white flowers through spring, which are followed by clusters of red fruit in autumn. The foliage...

From$270.40
ulmus-parvifolia-1
Ulmus parvifolia

Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm) is a graceful deciduous to semi evergreen tree admired for its elegant spreading canopy, small glossy green leaves...

From$192.51
Cornus alba 'Sibirica' new spring foliage with white flowers.
Cornus alba 'Sibirica'

Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’, commonly known as Siberian Dogwood, is a striking deciduous shrub ideal for New Zealand gardens. It is prized for its vivid...

From$34.43
Chinese Windmill Palms planted as a cluster.
Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese Windmill Palm)

Trachycarpus fortunei, commonly known as the Windmill Palm, is a hardy, evergreen palm ideal for New Zealand gardens. It features a tall, slender...

From$425.89
sapium-sebiferum-4
Sapium sebiferum (Chinese Tallowood)

Sapium sebiferum, commonly known as Chinese Tallowood or The Popcorn Tree, is grown for its autumn colours and great form. The heart shaped leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Tamarix chinensis shrub with masses of pink flowers.
Tamarix chinensis (Chinese Tamarisk)

Tamarix chinensis is a graceful deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its fine feathery foliage and masses of soft pink flowers carried on arching...

OUT OF STOCK
Cornus nuttallii plant with green foliage and white flowers.
Cornus nuttallii

Cornus nuttallii, commonly known as Pacific Dogwood, features large and showy, cream-white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed by...

OUT OF STOCK
Ceratostigma willmottianum blue flowers.
Ceratostigma willmottianum

Ceratostigma willmottianum (Chinese Plumbago) is a deciduous shrub valued for its vivid blue flowers and rich autumn foliage colour. It provides late...

OUT OF STOCK
Cornus mas tree with yellow flowers.
Cornus mas

Cornus mas, commonly known as the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, is grown for its impressive flowering, attractive form, and autumn fruits. Small, yellow...

OUT OF STOCK
cercis-spring-snow-
Cercis 'Spring Snow'

Cercis chinensis Spring Snow, commonly known as Chinese Red Bud, is a small tree grown for its colourful foliage, great form, and lovely flowers. The...

OUT OF STOCK
mahonia-lomariifolia-1
Mahonia lomariifolia

Mahonia lomariifolia (Chinese Holly) is a bold evergreen shrub known for its dramatic, fern like foliage and upright spikes of yellow flowers...

OUT OF STOCK
A Cornus capitata (Evergreen Dogwood) tree with lush green foliage and masses of white flowers.
Cornus capitata

Cornus capitata, commonly known as the Evergreen Dogwood, is a striking small tree or large shrub well-suited to New Zealand gardens. It produces...

OUT OF STOCK
disporum-moonlight-
Disporum cantoniense 'Moonlight' (Chinese Fairy Bells)

Disporum cantoniense 'Moonlight' is an elegant evergreen perennial valued for its arching stems and softly variegated foliage with creamy tones. It...

OUT OF STOCK
parthenocissus-henryana-
Parthenocissus henryana

Parthenocissus henryana (Chinese Virginia Creeper) is a spectacular deciduous climbing vine admired for its distinctive green leaves highlighted with...

OUT OF STOCK
cercis-avondale-2
Cercis chinensis 'Avondale'

Cercis chinensis 'Avondale' (Chinese Redbud) is a stunning deciduous ornamental tree admired for its masses of vivid rosy purple flowers that cover...

OUT OF STOCK
photinia-serratifolia-
Photinia serratifolia (Chinese Photinia)

Photinia serratifolia is a small, evergreen tree that is grown for its lush and glossy foliage. New growth is red and ages to become mid-dark green...

OUT OF STOCK
A stunning Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' (Silver Pagoda Dogwood) specimen tree.
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'

Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea', commonly known as the Silver Pagoda Dogwood, is a small, deciduous tree renowned for its beautiful foliage and...

OUT OF STOCK
Buxus microphylla 'Curly Locks' hedge.
Buxus 'Curly Locks' (Chinese Box Plant)

Buxus 'Curly Locks' features small, bright green leaves with a gentle curl. The leaves age to dark green and are held on short stems as it grows to...

OUT OF STOCK
ligustrum-sinense-
Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet)

Ligustrum sinense, commonly known as Chinese Privet, is a fast-growing, compact shrub grown for its form, foliage, and flowers. It grows as rounded...

OUT OF STOCK
poliothyrsis-sinensis-1
Poliothyrsis sinensis (Chinese Pearlbloom)

Commonly known as the Chinese Pearlbloom, this is an attractive tree with fabulous flowers. Large and showy clusters of fragrant, white flowers are...

OUT OF STOCK
styrax-hemsleyana-2
Styrax hemsleyana (Chinese Snowbell Tree)

Styrax hemsleyana is an attractive deciduous tree valued for its elegant branching, fresh green foliage, and masses of delicate white flowers. The...

OUT OF STOCK
alocasia-cucullata-
Alocasia cucullata (Chinese Taro)

Alocasia cucullata (Chinese Taro) is a lush tropical plant admired for its glossy heart shaped green leaves and upright growth habit. The vibrant...

OUT OF STOCK
Aglaonema Silver Queen plants.
Aglaonema Silver Queen (Silver Queen Plant )

Aglaonema Silver Queen, commonly known as the Silver Queen Plant or Chinese Evergreen, features broad leaves are a mix of silver and dark green in a...

OUT OF STOCK
Cornus controversa

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Buxus, and Cornus, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search chinese dogwood

Why Choose Chinese Dogwood?

Chinese dogwood is celebrated for its resilience and adaptability. Unlike some other dogwood species, it tolerates a wider range of soil conditions and boasts a strong resistance to common diseases, such as powdery mildew and dogwood anthracnose. This low-maintenance, deciduous tree grows to a manageable height, typically reaching 5–7 metres in New Zealand gardens. Its distinctive horizontal branching structure provides elegant architectural interest, and the abundant blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Planting and Care Tips

Chinese dogwood thrives in a partially shaded to sunny position with well-drained soil. To encourage prolific flowering and healthy growth, enrich your planting site with organic matter and keep roots cool with a layer of mulch. Water young plants regularly, especially through dry spells, but reduce watering as the tree establishes. Pruning needs are minimal; simply remove any damaged or crossing branches in late winter to early spring. Chinese dogwood is also an excellent choice for smaller gardens or properties because its roots are non-invasive and its growth habit is tidy and compact.

Companions and Alternatives

Pair Chinese dogwood with other ornamental trees and shrubs for a beautiful layered effect. For striking contrast in foliage and bloom times, consider planting alongside Cornus controversa, an elegant, tiered dogwood with variegated leaves. Gardeners seeking autumn and winter colour will appreciate the vivid stems of Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' or might explore the upright, architectural form of Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine). For a more exotic flair or additional interest through the seasons, Sapium sebiferum (Chinese Tallowood) provides showy foliage transformation, while Cercis chinensis Spring Snow (Cercis chinensis) is treasured for its delicate spring flowers.

Enhance Your Garden with Chinese Dogwood

Whether featured as a focal point or blended within a woodland edge, Chinese dogwood infuses New Zealand gardens with character and year-round appeal. Its changing seasonal show—from frothy flowers to richly coloured leaves in autumn—ensures visual interest long after the blooms have faded. With its adaptable nature and minimal maintenance requirements, Chinese dogwood remains a top choice for home gardeners wanting to increase biodiversity, create shade, and elevate their outdoor spaces. Explore other compatible trees and shrubs like Cornus controversa or Cercis chinensis Spring Snow (Cercis chinensis) to build a landscape full of beauty and ecological value.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Chamaemelum nobile (Chamomile) and Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily) are popular for a reason, but it’s plants like Convolvulus cneorum, Alstroemeria Inca Ice (Peruvian Lily), and Lagerstroemia 'Souvenir Hubert Pouard' that create a truly unique garden.
–The Plant Company

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