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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.

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
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 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.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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...

From$343.89
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 '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$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...

From$299.92
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 '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...

From$299.92
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$299.92
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 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 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 '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...

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 kousa 'China Girl'

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

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Why Choose Cornus kousa Varieties?

Cornus kousa varieties are prized for their resilience, flowering displays, and multi-seasonal interest. They thrive in New Zealand’s temperate climate, preferring well-drained soil and partial shade, but can adapt to sunnier spots with regular watering. These trees often reach heights between 3-6 metres, making them manageable for most residential gardens. Their bracts—showy, petal-like structures—appear in late spring after leaves emerge, followed by red or pink fruit and vivid autumn foliage.

Popular Cornus kousa Varieties in New Zealand

Explore some of the best cornus kousa varieties for Kiwi gardeners, each with its unique charm and garden value:

Cornus kousa 'Bonfire'

A striking choice, Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' features exceptionally vibrant autumn leaves, ranging from orange to deep red. Its creamy white flowers light up the landscape in early summer, and its upright habit suits smaller yards brilliantly.

Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'

Looking for a compact tree with subtle beauty? Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross' offers masses of creamy bracts and neat, bushy growth ideal for smaller gardens or container planting. Its unique form and durable nature make it a favourite among New Zealand gardeners.

Cornus kousa 'Moonbeam'

For truly luminous blooms, consider Cornus kousa 'Moonbeam'. This variety boasts large, pure white flowers and a strong vertical habit. ‘Moonbeam’ is perfect as a specimen tree where you want a showstopper at flowering time.

Cornus kousa 'China Girl'

If you’d like a variety that combines graceful shape with a long flowering period, Cornus kousa 'China Girl' is an excellent pick. Its creamy bracts persist longer than most, and it develops attractive edible fruit in late summer, enhancing its ornamental and wildlife value.

Cornus kousa 'Doubloon'

Distinctively layered, Cornus kousa 'Doubloon' offers tiered branches and abundant white bracts. Its architectural form is ideal for adding vertical flair and drama to garden designs.

Growing and Caring for Cornus kousa Varieties

Cornus kousa varieties thrive in soil enriched with organic matter and mulched well to retain moisture. Though drought-tolerant once established, young trees appreciate regular watering during their first seasons. Prune lightly to encourage strong branching and remove any dead wood. These dogwoods are relatively pest-resistant but benefit from occasional checking for scale or aphids.

Find the Perfect Cornus kousa Variety

Cornus kousa varieties add lasting beauty and seasonal interest to any New Zealand garden. Browse our selection of featured varieties or visit our nursery experts for tailored planting advice to help your garden shine year-round.


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It’s easy to pick Azara microphylla and Corokia Mangatangi, but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Melia azedarach (Bead Tree), Ophiopogon Kyoto, and Coprosma 'Taiko'.
–The Plant Company

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