Cornus kousa 'DWARF PINK' Japanese dogwood
Cornus
Japanese dogwoods are attractive shrubs with great potential for our climate because of their showy and unusual flowers, fantastic autumn colours, and excellent hardiness. They are not yet widespread in Central Europe which is a situation that is quickly changing and that's great because they do deserve to be planted more. Their hardiness and low maintenance will convince any doubter.
Dwarf Pink is a subtle variety of pale pink flowering Japanese dogwood. In 10 years it grows only some 1.2m in slender and bushy habit. In late May appear profusion of flowers that are composed of 4 showy, pointed bracts with rich pink margins and soft pink tones, and small spherical flower-heads in the middle. They are followed by edible fruit in September.
Leaves are deciduous, ovate, dark green with thin purple pink margins, and turn brilliant shades of crimson and burgundy red with some gold hues in autumn. They droop just like pear tree leaves. Dwarf Pink is quite compact and requires little or no pruning, however, if you need to keep it smaller cut it soon after flowering.
Every dogwood likes acidic soil, rich in organic material, and always moist but well-drained soil. Some gardeners advise planting it in semi-shade to reduce summer sunlight but we do not recommend that. Plant it in full sun and mulch the roots well. In dry spells provide extra watering and thus you can be sure your dogwood will flower profusely and will be richer and healthier. Use of selective fertilizers supporting flowering and leaf colour is advised. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).
Last update 21-01-2019.
