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cornus kousa nz

If you're searching for Cornus kousa nz, you're looking at one of the most spectacular ornamental dogwoods for New Zealand gardens. With stunning star-like spring blooms, vibrant autumn foliage, and attractive red fruit, Cornus kousa easily earns its place as a prized feature or specimen tree. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a plant enthusiast keen to add year-round interest to your landscape, this versatile and hardy tree brings unrivalled beauty and elegance. Let’s explore why Cornus kousa is such a favourite across New Zealand and which varieties best suit your garden.

A small Cornus kousa 'China Girl' specimen tree with masses of white flowers against green foliage.

Cornus kousa 'China Girl'

Cornus kousa 'China Girl' is a small and popular, deciduous tree with large and showy, white flowers that adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy foliage is dark green and contrasts perfectly with the flowers, and takes on impressive shades of red and orange before falling. It grows with a vase shape to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide. Cornus kousa 'China Girl' is commonly grown as a specimen and is excellent for including in a mixed planting, planting to border an entranceway, using in avenue plantings, maintaining in a courtyard garden, or including in a cottage garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
A Cornus kousa 'Satomi' specimen tree with masses of elegant pink flowers.

Cornus kousa 'Satomi'

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' is a small and popular, deciduous tree that features masses of large and showy, pink flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy foliage is dark green and complements the flowers nicely. As autumn progresses, the leaves develop impressive shades of red before falling. It grows with an upright and spreading habit to about 4 m tall and 3 m wide. Cornus kousa 'Satomi' is commonly grown as a specimen and is excellent for including in a mixed planting, using in avenue plantings, maintaining in a courtyard garden, planting around outdoor living areas, or including in a cottage garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
A Cornus kousa 'Satomi' specimen tree with masses of elegant pink flowers.

Cornus kousa 'Satomi'

Cornus kousa 'Satomi' is a small and popular, deciduous tree that features masses of large and showy, pink flowers in spring, which are followed by...

From$299.92
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$343.89
Cornus 'Southern Cross' white flowers with lush, green foliage.

Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'

Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross' features large and showy, white flowers which adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. It...

From$343.89
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...

From$343.89
Cornus 'Cherokee Princess' covered in masses of white flowers.

Cornus 'Cherokee Princess'

Cornus 'Cherokee Princess' is grown for its lovely flowering, attractive form, and colourful foliage. Leaves emerge light green in spring, age to...

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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...

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Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' specimen tree with masses of pink flowers in late winter.

Cornus Cherokee Chief

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' is a small, deciduous tree grown for its impressive flowering and attractive form. Masses of rose-red flowers are borne in...

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Cornus controversa variegata (Wedding Cake Tree) specimen in a large garden.

Cornus controversa variegata

Cornus controversa variegata, commonly referred to as the Wedding Cake Tree, features tiered branches that bear leaves that are variegated cream and...

From$343.89
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...

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...

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Cornus 'Stokes Pink' elegant pink flowers.

Cornus 'Stokes Pink'

Cornus 'Stokes Pink' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, two-tone pink flowers are borne...

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$299.92
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$33.68
Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.

Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten'

Cornus 'Elizabeth Lustgarten' features large and showy, white flowers during spring and summer, which are followed by red berries in autumn. It grows...

cryptomeria-egmont-1

Cryptomeria japonica Egmont

Cryptomeria japonica Egmont, commonly known as Japanese Cedar, is an evergreen tree that makes an exceptional and hardy shelterbelt. It features...

From$432.79
planter-bags-

PB1.5 Planter Bags (PB Bags)

These PB 1.5 planter bags are 80 microns thick and hold 1 litre of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling...

From$14.90
35-litre-planter-bags-4

35L Planter Bags (Growing Bags)

These 35L planter bags have two handles and hold 35 litres of growing media. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for handling and...

From$7.00
sorbus-scarlet-king-

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King (Rowan Tree NZ)

Sorbus aucuparia Scarlet King is a variety of the commonly known, Mountain Ash, and is a small-sized, deciduous with impressive characteristics...

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$26.93
Cornus kousa 'China Girl'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cornus, Cryptomeria Metrosideros and Sorbus, or related Categories - Planter Bags, Conifer Trees, Deciduous Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

Search cornus kousa nz

What Makes Cornus kousa Special for New Zealand Gardens?

Cornus kousa, also called Kousa Dogwood or Japanese Dogwood, thrives in a range of New Zealand conditions, from cool southern climates to warmer northern regions. Its showy, creamy-white to pinkish bracts (commonly mistaken for flowers) appear in late spring, just as other spring-flowering trees finish, extending the garden’s bloom display. In autumn, its foliage shifts from lush green to dazzling shades of red and orange, making it a standout in the landscape. The small, strawberry-like fruit that follows is an added delight, attracting birds and adding further interest.

Popular Varieties of Cornus kousa in NZ

When it comes to choosing a Cornus kousa nz, you'll find several beautiful cultivars available in New Zealand nurseries:

How to Grow and Care for Cornus kousa in New Zealand

Cornus kousa nz is admired for being low maintenance once established. Select a site with well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. This tree tolerates both acidic and slightly alkaline soils, making it a flexible choice for many garden types. An annual layer of mulch helps retain moisture, and a light prune after flowering maintains the desired shape. Well-suited for borders, woodland gardens, or as a standalone feature, Cornus kousa can also handle urban conditions and a variety of garden sizes.

Why Choose Cornus kousa for Your NZ Garden?

If you’re after a tree that combines unique beauty, reliable performance, and ecological value, Cornus kousa nz is a perfect choice. With minimal care required and seasonal interest that lasts from spring through autumn, it’s a rewarding addition to any landscape. For gardeners wanting more information or seeking the right variety, explore options like Cornus kousa, Cornus kousa National, Cornus kousa 'China Girl', Cornus kousa 'Chinensis', and Cornus kousa 'Satomi' to find the perfect match for your environment.


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It’s easy to pick Zephyranthes candida and Griselinia 'Ardmore Emerald', but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Viola hederacea (Australian Violet), Cercis Oklahoma Redbud, and Viburnum davidii (male).
–The Plant Company

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