Great Plant Pick: Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, June 21, 2023
What: This disease resistant selection of pink flowering dogwood — called Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’ or Red Flowering Kousa Dogwood — is a great replacement for more problem-prone cultivars. In June, white flushed pink buds open and quickly become a rich rose-pink. The bright color stands out against the clean green leaves and will last longer than earlier flowering dogwood blooms. This beautiful small to medium sized tree develops a graceful layered branching pattern that shows the flowers off well. In late summer strawberry-like fruits hang from the branches followed by handsome red and orange fall color.
Where: Plant this slow growing tree in a moist to well-drained soil with full sun to light or open shade. It can be adaptable to sandy soils and clay with regular watering during dry weather.
Size: Grows to 12 feet tall and 12 feet wide in 10 years.
Care: The lovely layered form can easily be ruined by pruning. Consult an experienced pruner or take local classes before attempting to prune.
— greatplantpicks.org
