Cornus kousa |
Native Region: Asia
Zone Range: 5-9
Preferred Climate: Semi sun to partial shade; well draining garden soil.
Harvest Date: Tuesday 02 December, 2008
Seed count: 20-25
Description:
This species has smaller bracts and leaves than Cornus kousa var chinensis subspecies. Small greenish bracts expand to become creamy white by June. When flowering is finished by July, the bracts tend to develop pinkish hues at the tips or entire bract. Edible sweet gumball/raspberry shaped fruits are often taken by the birds unless you get there first. An understory tree/shrub in its native forests.
Notes:
More disease resistant than our North American flowering dogwoods. Produces flowers on last year's growth so think twice when pruning as you are pruning out your next years' flowers. You can easily see forming flowers as small rounded green disks with four tiny triangular green bracts so you know in advance of the display. Drought tolerant when established. Suitable for containers and bonsai. A good choice over Cornus florida.
Cultivation:
Last years tests yielded 80% germination. Soak seed 24-48 hours in warm water. Cold moist stratify 60-90 days then move to warm site to promote germination. Optimum germination temp: 18-25 C. Days to germination: 30-400. Yeah, some seed won't germinate until the following spring. Just one of those things, but this is pretty easy to start from seed. Best grown in containers for first two years, select site(s) in then frolic amongst the blooms in a few years. Grows quickly and blooms at an early age.
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