Cornus kousa 'Samzam' SAMARITAN^®

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. SAMARITAN^® is a variety from the Biblical Series developed in Lake County Nursery in Ohio, USA. It was bred by Jim Zampini (1932-2017) who introduced and registered over 200 new plants during his fruitful horticultural life. He was said to be such an active breeder that even at the age of 80, when most of his former colleagues enjoyed retirement and comfort of their rocking chairs, he would drive 120 km/h on a highway and still spot an interesting or new taxon growing nearby.

SAMARITAN^® Japanese dogwood is easily recognized from a distance. Its variegated foliage steps out of any hedge or landscape. The deciduous leaves are acuminate, ovate, medium green with white or near white margins, and turn brilliant shades of crimson and burgundy red with some gold hues in autumn. They droop just like pear tree leaves.

In late May appears a profusion of flowers that are composed of 4 showy, creamy white, pointed bracts (often mistaken for true petals) surrounding small, spherical flower-heads in the middle. They are followed by rosy red, edible fruit in September which looks like small litchi. SAMARITAN^® grows moderately to fast into an upright, rather well-behaved shrub of good screening density. It 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 08-06-2020.