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chinese dogwood tree

The Chinese dogwood tree is an enchanting addition to any New Zealand garden, prized for its elegant shape, showy blooms, and year-round interest. Also known as Cornus kousa, this deciduous tree features clouds of creamy white star-shaped flowers in late spring, followed by raspberry-red fruit and rich autumn colour. If you’re searching for a striking specimen tree that complements a range of garden styles, the Chinese dogwood tree delivers beauty and resilience season after season.

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
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 in winter. The leaves emerge dark green in spring, and remain this colour until developing red tones in autumn and falling.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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...

From$404.59
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
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
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
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
A Parrotia persica 'Pendula' specimen tree with pendulous green foliage.
Parrotia persica pendula (Weeping Persian Ironwood)

Parrotia persica 'Pendula', commonly known as the Weeping Persian Ironwood, is a tree grown for its fantastic autumn colours and weeping growth...

From$270.40
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio) tree with lush foliage and white flowers growing in a coastal location.
Myoporum laetum (Ngaio)

Myoporum laetum, commonly known as Ngaio, is a NZ native tree grown for its lush foliage and showy flowers. It features large, fleshy, green leaves...

From$28.91
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
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
koelreuteria-paniculata-1
Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$270.40
schinus-molle-3
Schinus molle (Peruvian Peppercorn)

Schinus molle (California Pepper Tree) is an elegant evergreen tree admired for its graceful weeping branches, fine textured foliage, and attractive...

From$281.05
azara-microphylla-2
Azara microphylla

Azara microphylla (Vanilla Tree) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its small glossy leaves and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. In spring...

From$387.55
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' pink flowers and lush, green foliage.
Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea'

Albizia julibrissin 'Rosea' (Silk Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree valued for its graceful spreading canopy, fern like foliage, and masses of...

From$344.95
An avenue of Platanus acerifolia (London Plane trees).
Platanus acerifolia

Platanus acerifolia, commonly known as the London Plane Tree, is a large, deciduous tree grown for its foliage, stature, and showy fruits. The...

From$387.55
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$16.95
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
A Quercus robur (English Oak) specimen tree.
Quercus robur

Quercus robur, commonly known as the English Oak tree or Pedunculate Oak, is a large and stately, deciduous tree. This Oak tree typically grows to 25...

From$270.40
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
Cornus controversa

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cornus, Melia, and Nyssa, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search chinese dogwood tree

Features and Benefits of the Chinese Dogwood Tree

The Chinese dogwood tree typically grows 4-8 metres high, making it an ideal choice for small gardens or as a statement tree in larger landscapes. Its layers of horizontal branches give it an attractive, tiered appearance reminiscent of wedding cake trees, much like Cornus controversa. In spring, the delicate blossoms emerge atop the foliage, providing a spectacular show that draws in pollinators and brightens any border or lawn. By mid to late summer, clusters of edible, bright red fruits appear—these not only add ornamental value but also attract native birds.

As autumn arrives, the Chinese dogwood tree’s foliage shifts to shades of scarlet and purple, ensuring it remains a focal point in the landscape long after other trees have finished putting on their best displays.

How to Grow and Care for a Chinese Dogwood Tree

The Chinese dogwood tree thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a spot with full sun to partial shade. Once established, it’s a hardy, low-maintenance tree well suited to New Zealand conditions, tolerating frost and occasional dry spells. For best results, mulch around the base annually and water deeply during extended dry periods. Because of its modest height and non-invasive root system, the Chinese dogwood tree is perfect for planting near patios, as a lawn specimen, or among mixed woodland plantings.

If you’re a fan of dogwoods, you might also enjoy the golden stems of Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' for winter colour, or the prolific blooms of Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'.

Landscaping Ideas with Chinese Dogwood Tree

The elegant silhouette and multi-season interest of the Chinese dogwood tree make it a wonderful companion for other feature trees and textural shrubs. Use it as a focal point in a cottage garden or along a driveway to welcome guests with a burst of blooms. Pair with evergreens such as Podocarpus Maki (Fern Pine) for year-round structure, or underplant with bulbs and woodland perennials for added spring magic.

Expand Your Collection

For those seeking other unique trees, consider the striking form of Sapium sebiferum (Chinese Tallowood), which offers brilliant autumn foliage, or browse the full range of specimen trees and shrubs to complement your Chinese dogwood tree.

Whether you’re planning a new landscape or looking to add a touch of elegance, the Chinese dogwood tree brings beauty, biodiversity, and four-season interest to New Zealand gardens.

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.
There’s more to explore beyond Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Ficus benjamina — like the subtle beauty of Grevillea 'Cream and Green', Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree), and Plum 'Luisa'.
–The Plant Company

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