cornus kousa varieties
If you’re searching for the most beautiful and rewarding cornus kousa varieties to grow in your New Zealand garden, you’re in the right place. Cornus kousa, also called Japanese Dogwood, brings stunning spring and early summer flowers, elegant structure, and exceptional autumn colour—making it a standout in both formal and informal landscapes. Whether you want a small ornamental tree for a compact space or something bold to anchor a garden border, there’s a cornus kousa variety to suit your needs. Below, our nursery experts highlight some of the best cornus kousa varieties available and guide you on choosing the right one for your space.
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 autumn. The glossy foliage is dark green and contrasts perfectly with the flowers. As autumn progresses, the leaves develop impressive shades of red and purple before falling. It grows with a broad and spreading crown to about 5 m tall and 6 m wide. Cornus National is commonly grown as a specimen and is excellent for including in a mixed planting, using in avenue plantings, or including in a cottage garden.
From $270.40
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 grows with a narrow, upright, multi-trunked habit, carrying dark green leaves which develop impressive shades of red before falling. It grows with a rounded shape to about 3 m tall and 2.5 m wide. Cornus 'Southern Cross' makes for an excellent specimen and is great for including in mixed plantings, for lining an entranceway, or maintaining in a courtyard garden.
From $340.69
