Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

cornus national

Cornus national, known botanically as Cornus kousa 'National', is a superb choice for New Zealand gardens seeking both striking beauty and dependable performance. This elegant dogwood cultivar is prized for its upright growth, classic white blooms, and exceptional foliage. Cornus national brings a sophisticated silhouette to landscapes, making it ideal as a focal point tree or for enhancing mixed borders. Its showy flowers, which appear in late spring to early summer, are followed by attractive red berries—inviting birds and adding seasonal interest. Whether you’re refining an established garden or starting fresh, Cornus national offers year-round appeal and versatility.

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.

Cornus 'National' specimen tree with masses of cream-coloured flowers.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Trees
  • Height:
    5.00 m
  • Spread:
    4.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring
  • Tolerances:
    Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Parks, Specimen
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Cornus controversa variegata (Wedding Cake Tree) specimen in a large garden.
Most Popular 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$340.69
Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' specimen tree with masses of pink flowers in late winter.
Most Popular 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$270.40
Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.
Most Popular 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 stolonifera 'Flaviramea' plants with yellow stems.
Most Popular 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 'Stokes Pink' elegant pink flowers.
Most Popular 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...

From$270.40
eucalyptus-baby-blue-2
Most Popular Eucalyptus Baby Blue (Silver Gum)

Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' is a highly popular evergreen tree admired for its stunning silver blue foliage and strong ornamental appeal. The rounded...

From$408.85
Lagerstroemia 'De Puard' cluster of light pink flowers.
Most Popular Lagerstroemia 'De Puard'

Lagerstroemia ‘De Puard’ is an attractive crepe myrtle valued for its soft coloured summer flowers and well balanced upright form. Flowering through...

From$30.29
A Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak) specimen tree with bright red-orange foliage.
Most Popular Quercus coccinea

Quercus coccinea, commonly known as the Scarlet Oak tree, features very colourful autumn foliage. The foliage emerges light green in spring, ages to...

From$270.40
Ginkgo biloba 'Saratoga' trees with yellow autumn foliage.
Most Popular Ginkgo Saratoga

Ginkgo 'Saratoga' is a variety of Ginkgo biloba that has distinctive and lush foliage which emerges dark green in spring and remains this way until...

From$270.40
acer-brandywine-1
Most Popular Acer Brandywine (Brandywine Maple)

Acer rubrum Brandywine is an outstanding deciduous tree grown for its lovely form and striking autumn colours. It features lush, mid-green foliage...

From$299.95
Cornus kousa National

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Cornus or Deciduous Trees. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like national kousa dogwood.

Search Cornus kousa National

Features and Benefits of Cornus National

Cornus kousa 'National' is renowned for its strong, columnar form, making it stand out among dogwoods. It reaches around 3-4 metres tall in New Zealand conditions, creating a striking vertical accent. The white bracts are not only beautiful but also reliably abundant. As the seasons shift, Cornus national’s foliage transitions from rich green to warm autumn hues, bringing a splash of colour when many other trees fade. Its resistance to common dogwood diseases, such as anthracnose, ensures low maintenance and lasting health in your garden.

Planting and Garden Uses

Cornus national thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. It’s suitable for small to medium-sized gardens, as a specimen tree, or in grouped plantings with other ornamental trees. For added visual interest, consider pairing Cornus national with contrasting foliage tones and textures. Its upright form complements ground-hugging shrubs and creates layered planting schemes. The berries are safe for wildlife and support New Zealand’s native birds.

Are you looking to expand your dogwood collection? Explore the unique stacked form and variegated foliage of Cornus controversa variegata or classic pink-flowered Cornus Cherokee Chief. For an even more dazzling spring display, plant alongside Cornus 'Cherokee Princess' or the enchanting Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'.

Care Tips for Cornus National

To keep Cornus national flourishing, water regularly in its first few years, especially during dry spells. A layer of mulch protects roots and maintains soil moisture. Pruning is minimal, as its upright habit requires little shaping—just remove dead or crossing branches in late winter. Feed annually with a slow-release fertiliser to encourage vigorous growth and prolific flowering.

Looking for shrubs to complement your Cornus national? The golden stems of Cornus stolonifera 'Flaviramea' offer winter colour, while dramatic foliage options like Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' bring a touch of contrast.

Cornus National in the Wider Landscape

Cornus national is perfect for stylish contemporary plantings, woodland edges, or classic cottage gardens. Pair with trees such as Casuarina glauca, Acer Raraflora (Raraflora), Robinia Tropical Splash (Honey Locust), or the elegant Prunus yedoensis Perpendens for seasonal variety and a dynamic garden design.

If you’re searching for a tree with timeless appeal, strong structure, and stunning seasonal interest, Cornus national is a standout addition to your New Zealand garden.


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.

–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews