Cornus kousa 'Snowflake'
Chinese dogwood 'Snowflake'
A hardy, bushy deciduous small tree or shrub with oval-shaped glossy dark green foliage which turns orange to red in the autumn. Large white flowers (bracts) appear from May to June followed by small pink berries in the autumn
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Red Orange | Pink | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or light shade. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
See pruning group 1
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose disease
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.