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

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 variegated yellow and dark green, and complements the flowers nicely. As autumn progresses, the leaves develop impressive shades of red and orange before falling. It grows with a vase shape to about 5 m tall and 4 m wide. Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' 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.

A Cornus 'Bonfire' tree covered in white flowers with green foliage.
A Cornus 'Bonfire' white flowers with variegated green and yellow foliage.
A Cornus 'Bonfire' red foliage in autumn.

Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' is currently unavailable, but we do have other other amazing species and varieties of Cornus available.

explore them here

Why? Our plants are subject to seasonality and high-demand. Please contact us if you would like to know when it becomes available again.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Trees
Height:5.00 m
Spread:4.00 m
Flowering time:Spring
Tolerances:
Garden uses:Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles:Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku18351

How to grow Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' in NZ

Plant Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' in fertile, well drained soil enriched with organic matter. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers a slightly acidic soil profile. Shelter from strong winds will protect its delicate spring flowers. Regular watering during dry spells, especially in the first few years, is important for establishment. In NZ conditions, this Cornus adapts well and rewards gardeners with brilliant foliage and blooms.

Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' care tips

Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' requires minimal maintenance once established. Prune lightly in winter to remove damaged or crossing branches and to shape the canopy. Feed with a balanced slow release fertiliser each spring to promote strong growth and abundant flowers. Mulching annually helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. With this easy care routine, your Bonfire dogwood will remain healthy and visually stunning year after year.

Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' size, spacing, and growth rate

Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' typically grows to 4 to 6 metres tall and 3 to 5 metres wide, forming a rounded, upright habit. It has a moderate growth rate, making it suitable for both small and medium sized gardens. Allow 3 to 4 metres of space around the tree to ensure its full shape can develop. Its manageable size and reliable growth make it a popular ornamental choice in NZ landscapes.

Landscaping uses for Cornus kousa 'Bonfire'

Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' is ideal as a feature tree, where its seasonal colour changes can be fully appreciated. It suits cottage gardens, modern landscapes, and woodland plantings. The spring flowers and fiery autumn foliage provide striking contrast with evergreen shrubs and conifers. In NZ gardens, this Cornus enhances outdoor spaces with elegance, colour, and year round beauty.

Why buy Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' from The Plant Company?

Buying Cornus kousa 'Bonfire' from The Plant Company means sourcing from NZ’s most trusted plant nursery. Our Cornus trees are grown to be healthy, robust, and ready for planting. We provide expert growing advice, nationwide delivery, and excellent customer service. With The Plant Company, you can be confident of receiving premium quality plants that will flourish in your garden.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Cornus kousa 'Bonfire'? We are here to help.

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$326.05
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$284.37
Cornus 'Cherokee Princess' covered in masses of white flowers.
Most Popular

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$284.37
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$284.37
malus-strathmore-
Most Popular

Malus Strathmore

Malus Strathmore is a variety of Crabapple that features red flower buds that open into large, deep pink flowers in spring just as the bronze-red...

From$284.37
crataegus-rosea-flore-pleno-
Most Popular

Crataegus laevigata Rosea Flore Pleno

Crataegus laevigata Rosea Flore Pleno, commonly known as the Midland Hawthorn tree, is a small, deciduous tree grown for its prolific flowering and...

From$410.35
ulmus-louis-van-houtte-4
Most Popular

Ulmus Louis Van Houtte (Golden Elm)

Ulmus Louis Van Houtte is a variety of Golden Elm which is grown for its colourful foliage. The leaves emerge lime-green in spring, age to become...

From$410.35
acer-palmatum-shirazz--3
Most Popular

Acer palmatum Shirazz (Shirazz Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Shirazz is a smaller variety of Japanese Maple and features a rich display of delicate and interestingly coloured foliage. New leaves...

From$167.03
–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.

4.9

411 Google reviews