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Deciduous And Flowering Trees

Milky Way Kousa dogwood

Cornus kousa 'Milky Way'

'Milky Way' Kousa dogwood layers creamy white late-spring bracts, pink-red fruit, and reddish autumn foliage onto a gradually spreading crown. Older trunks add interest as bark begins to exfoliate. Typical plants reach about 15–20 feet tall and wide, although older specimens can become larger. Give it a lawn, woodland-edge, or broad-border setting where horizontal branches have room to develop. Bloom intensity may vary between years without indicating poor health. Organic, well-drained soil and consistent establishment and summer moisture suit Southwest Washington gardens. Light afternoon shade helps on hot sites. Allow access for fallen-fruit cleanup and removal of unwanted seedlings.

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At a glance

Mature height
Commonly 15–20 ft; older plants can be larger
Mature spread
Commonly 15–20 ft; allow extra long-term room
Light
Sun to partial shade
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4–8

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Milky Way suits a lawn, patio planting, or woodland edge with room for a small tree. Its branching becomes more horizontal and rounded as it matures, so allow space around it.

Where to plant

Allow about 15–20 feet for the canopy, with additional room for older growth. Choose sun or partial shade and protect it from intense afternoon heat on dry, exposed sites.

Through the seasons

White bracts appear in late spring, followed by reddish fruit and red-to-purple autumn foliage. Flowering can be heavier in alternate years.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

Kousa dogwoods generally have fewer anthracnose problems than flowering dogwoods. They still benefit from summer water and good drainage in Northwest gardens, especially during establishment.

Soil, drainage & water

Moist, organically rich, acidic to neutral soil is suitable, with sandy loam a good option. Mulch the shallow roots and water during dry weather without leaving the soil saturated.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Limit pruning to damaged or crossing branches and retain the developing crown. Choose the site carefully at planting, since moving an established tree can disturb its shallow roots.

Know what to look for

Common growing concerns.

Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.

Fruit litter and seedlings

Fallen fruit can accumulate beneath the crown, with seedlings appearing in nearby soil.

Help your plant thrive

Allow access beneath the canopy for cleanup. Remove fallen fruit from busy areas and pull unwanted seedlings while small.

Powdery mildew or leaf spots

Leaves may develop pale powdery growth, spots, or distorted areas.

Help your plant thrive

Keep neighboring plants from crowding the crown and maintain soil moisture. Inspect recurring symptoms before treating.

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