Cornus kousa Samaritan ('Samzam') (v)
kousa [Samaritan]
Shrub or small ornamental tree to 7m in height, bark silvery grey to brown and silver when it begins to peel at maturity or in winter. Elliptic, opposite leaves variegated, with wide creamy white edges, sometimes pink in spring, margins slightly undulating. Petal-like bracts creamy green to creamy white and creamy white central cluster of flowers. Foliage turns pink and burgundy maroon in autumn. Sweet, red edible fruits are strawberry-like.
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
4–8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Green | Cream Green Pink | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream | |||
| Autumn | Pink Red | Red | ||
| Winter | Grey Silver Brown |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- 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
Trade
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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
Diseases
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus
Get involved
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