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kousa dogwood tree

The kousa dogwood tree is a spectacular choice for New Zealand gardens, prized for its multi-season beauty and versatility. Known for its elegant, layered form and stunning late spring blossom display, this tree brings year-round interest to home landscapes. Whether you’re seeking an eye-catching specimen, stunning autumn colour, or a wildlife-friendly addition to your garden, the kousa dogwood tree delivers. Its creamy white bracts, edible red fruit, and textured bark make it a favourite for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

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 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.

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 '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
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$340.69
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$340.69
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$270.40
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
A Cornus kousa chinensis specimen tree covered in white flowers.
Cornus kousa 'Chinensis'

Cornus kousa Chinensis is a small, deciduous tree that features large and showy, white flowers in spring that mature to a light pink, which are...

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A Cornus kousa 'Pendula' tree with white flowers and cascading green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Pendula'

Cornus kousa 'Pendula' is a deciduous shrub that produces large and showy, white flowers through spring and summer. It grows with an upright and...

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A Cornus kousa 'Moonbeam' specimen tree with masses of white flowers.
Cornus kousa 'Moonbeam'

Cornus kousa 'Moonbeam' is grown for its impressive flowering and autumn colours. Masses of white flowers coat this tree in spring. The leaves emerge...

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A Cornus 'Bonfire' tree covered in white flowers with green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Bonfire'

Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' features large and showy, white flowers in spring, which are followed by red berries in autumn. The glossy foliage is...

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Cornus 'Doubloon' elegant white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Doubloon'

Cornus kousa 'Doubloon' features masses of showy, white flowers in spring just as the new foliage begins to emerge. The leaves emerge green with...

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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 '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...

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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...

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...

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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...

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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...

From$340.69
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...

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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$270.40
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...

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Cornus 'Cherokee Daybreak' pink, green, and cream variegated foliage.
Cornus 'Cherokee Daybreak'

Cornus 'Cherokee Daybreak' is grown for its lovely flowering, attractive form, and colourful foliage. Leaves that are variegated green, cream, and...

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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 'Purple Glory' rose-red flowers in spring.
Cornus florida 'Purple Glory'

Cornus florida 'Purple Glory' features leaves that emerge pink-purple in spring, age to become mid-purple, then develop impressive dark red and black...

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Cornus 'Midwinter Fire' plant with orange-red stems.
Cornus 'Midwinter Fire'

Cornus 'Mountain Fire' is a variety of the commonly known, Dogwood, and is a shrub that features brightly coloured stems which are most pronounced in...

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Cornus mas tree with yellow flowers.
Cornus mas

Cornus mas, commonly known as the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, is grown for its impressive flowering, attractive form, and autumn fruits. Small, yellow...

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Cornus 'Rainbow' yellow and green variegated foliage.
Cornus florida 'Rainbow'

Cornus florida 'Rainbow' is a deciduous shrub grown for its impressive flowering and colourful foliage. Large and showy, white flowers adorn the tree...

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Cornus 'Cherokee Sunset' variegated foliage with pink flowers.
Cornus 'Cherokee Sunset'

Cornus 'Cherokee Sunset' is a deciduous shrub grown for its showy flowers and colourful foliage. Masses of single, pink flowers are borne through...

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Cornus 'First Lady' specimen tree with yellow-green foliage.
Cornus florida 'First Lady'

Cornus florida 'First Lady' features masses of showy, white flowers through spring, which are followed by clusters of red fruit in autumn. The...

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Cornus florida elegant white flowers.
Cornus florida

Cornus florida is grown for its lovely flowering and attractive form. Masses of showy, single, white flowers are borne in spring and are followed by...

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Cornus 'Old Gold' lime-green foliage in summer.
Cornus florida 'Old Gold'

Cornus florida 'Old Gold' is a small, deciduous tree with foliage that emerges golden yellow in spring, then ages to become an antique gold colour in...

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A stunning Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea' (Silver Pagoda Dogwood) specimen tree.
Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea'

Cornus alternifolia 'Argentea', commonly known as the Silver Pagoda Dogwood, is a small, deciduous tree renowned for its beautiful foliage and...

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Cornus alba 'Elegantissima' variegated foliage.
Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'

Cornus alba 'Elegantissima', commonly known as the Red-Twig Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub grown for its variegated foliage and colourful stems. The...

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Cornus kousa National

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Cornus, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees. Alternatively, forage through similar ideas like kousa dogwood for sale, and kousa dogwood varieties.

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Why Choose the Kousa Dogwood Tree?

The kousa dogwood tree is native to East Asia and has gained popularity for its robust health and resistance to common dogwood diseases. Unlike other flowering dogwoods, the kousa dogwood blooms slightly later – usually from late October into November in many parts of New Zealand – after its dark green foliage has emerged. This makes it a perfect choice if you’d like to extend the flowering season in your garden.

As the seasons shift, its lush leaves transform into shades of deep red and purple, offering a brilliant autumn display. The small raspberry-like fruit not only adds ornamental interest but also attracts birds. In winter, the mottled bark catches the eye, ensuring there’s always something to enjoy.

Popular Varieties of Kousa Dogwood

There are several varieties of kousa dogwood tree that fit beautifully into New Zealand gardens. Some of the most sought-after cultivars include:

By exploring these cultivars, you can find the kousa dogwood tree that best suits your space and style.

How to Grow Your Kousa Dogwood Tree

Growing a kousa dogwood tree in New Zealand is straightforward when you provide the right conditions. This tree thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and appreciates a position with morning sun and afternoon shade. It is adaptable, coping well with urban environments, and tolerant of our climate variations.

Adding a layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool, while an annual application of slow-release fertiliser supports healthy growth. Though the tree is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry spells is beneficial.

Incorporating Kousa Dogwood in Your Garden

With its manageable size, the kousa dogwood tree is ideal for small gardens, as a feature tree on the lawn, or as part of a mixed border. Its year-round interest and disease resistance set it apart from other ornamental trees, while its beautiful blossoms delight both gardeners and pollinators.

Explore the unique character and outstanding beauty of the kousa dogwood tree with New Zealand’s finest selections, including Cornus kousa, Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross', and Cornus kousa 'China Girl'. There’s a perfect kousa dogwood waiting to thrive in your garden.


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Griselinia 'Canterbury' and Ficus benjamina variegata have stood the test of time, but new generations of gardeners are discovering Limequat, Grape 'Pinot Noir', and Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood).
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