WHAT: This variety of Chinese dogwood — Cornus kousa var. chinensis Milky Way — is attractive in all seasons, making it an exceptional small tree for Northwest gardens.
Why plant it: In June, it is covered with creamy white flowers surrounded by showy bracts. Flowers develop into strawberrylike red fruit by later summer.
In autumn, its leaves turn a deep red scarlet. Older trees develop handsome trunks with a patchwork patterns of gray, tan and green.
This dogwood is resistant to anthracnose, the disease that affects native dogwoods.
Where: This tree prefers rich, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or part shade.
How: Chinese dogwood branches arch outward to create a vase shape with tiers within their crowns.
Actual size: In 10 years, Milky Way can reach 10 to 18 feet high and 15 to 18 feet wide.
Learn more: www. greatplantpicks.org.
Source: Great Plant Picks
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