Cornus kousa 'Akatsuki' (v)
kousa 'Akatsuki'
A small spreading tree to about 4m in height, with ornamental bark, grey at first, becoming coppery olive-green where bark peels away. This is a vareigated sport of another variety. Opposite leaves are green and creamy white-edged, with pink overtones, pinker when weather cools. A small central cluster of greenish-white flowers surrounded by four pale pink to white petal-like bracts appear in early summer and may be followed by deepening foliage colour and raspberry-like fruits.
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver | Green Cream White | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White Green | Cream Green Pink | ||
Autumn | Variegated Red Purple Pink | Red Orange | ||
Winter | Green Grey Silver |
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
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
- 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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