Deciduous And Flowering Trees
Radiant Rose dogwood
Cornus kousa 'Radiant Rose'
'Radiant Rose' Kousa dogwood displays large pink bracts across an arching, spreading canopy in spring to early summer. Bright red autumn foliage and later pink-red fruit extend its seasonal interest. Height can approach 25 feet, so allow a generous small-tree footprint rather than a narrow bed beside the house. A lawn edge or woodland-margin position shows the whole crown well. Plant in organic, well-drained soil and maintain moisture through establishment and summer heat. Afternoon shelter helps on warmer Southwest Washington sites. Leave access for cleanup beneath the branches: fallen fruit can become messy near paving and may attract yellow jackets.
Ask about this plantAt a glance
- Mature height
- About 25 ft
- Mature spread
- Allow about 15–30 ft; species-based spread guidance
- Light
- Sun to light shade
- Hardiness
- Hardy to about USDA Zone 5
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Pink bracts and spreading branches are easier to see in an uncrowded lawn, broad border, or woodland-edge planting. Give the tree room for its branching structure to develop.
Where to plant
Allow room for a tree about 25 feet tall with a broad crown. Keep access beneath the branches for fruit cleanup and avoid placing the canopy directly over busy paths.
Through the seasons
Large pink bracts appear in spring to early summer. Pink-red fruit develops later, and foliage turns bright red in autumn.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Protect young trees from hot, dry exposure and maintain moisture during establishment. Some afternoon shade is useful where summer sun and drying wind would otherwise stress the foliage.
Soil, drainage & water
Prefers acidic, well-drained soil with consistent moisture during establishment. Mulch the root area and water in hot dry spells, but do not leave roots in waterlogged ground.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Choose a lasting planting position and avoid unnecessary transplanting. Maintain mulch and summer water, and leave room around the crown so air can move through the branches.
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 and seedlings
Soft fallen fruit and volunteer seedlings can accumulate beneath the crown.
Help your plant thrive
Leave access for seasonal cleanup. Remove fallen fruit near used areas and pull unwanted seedlings before they establish.
Leaf disease
Spots, powdery growth, or dying shoots may occur, although Kousa dogwood is less susceptible to some diseases than flowering dogwood.
Help your plant thrive
Maintain airflow and avoid prolonged foliage wetting. Have continuing leaf damage or dieback identified before treatment.
A little more inspiration
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