Deciduous And Flowering Trees

Summer Fun Kousa dogwood

Cornus kousa 'Summer Fun'

Summer Fun carries its display beyond flowering season with green leaves edged in creamy white. White late-spring bracts, red fruit, and pink, orange, and red autumn tones give this Kousa dogwood several moments of interest. Allow approximately 18 feet of height and 15 feet of spread, rather than treating it as a compact shrub. Morning sun or light shade helps protect the variegated leaves from intense afternoon exposure. Moist, acidic soil with reliable drainage supports establishment in Southwest Washington. Mulch the shallow roots, water through dry spells, and retain the spreading outline with only selective pruning.

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At a glance

Mature height: About 18 ft over time
Mature spread: About 15 ft over time
Light: Sun to partial shade
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Cream-edged leaves extend the display beyond the white spring bracts. A lawn, patio-side bed, or woodland edge can suit this small tree where the summer foliage remains visible.

Where to plant

Reserve around 15 feet for the spreading crown. Sun or partial shade is suitable; protection from intense afternoon heat is useful where the site is hot or exposed.

Through the seasons

White spring bracts are followed by red fruit. Cream leaf margins remain prominent in summer before pink, orange, and red autumn colors develop.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

This Kousa selection benefits from summer moisture and freely draining winter soil. In hot, exposed gardens, partial shade and shelter help reduce leaf scorch while the tree establishes.

Soil, drainage & water

Provide acidic, organically rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Mulch the shallow root area and check beneath it during dry spells to make sure water is reaching the roots.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Keep pruning limited to damaged or crossing branches, preserving the spreading crown. Maintain clearance from neighboring plants so the foliage has air movement and branches remain accessible for inspection.

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.

Heat-damaged foliage

Exposed leaf margins may dry out and turn brown.

Help your plant thrive

Reduce exposure to reflected heat and drying wind. Check soil moisture during hot weather and water before the root zone dries out.

Leaf disease

Spots, white powdery growth, or shoot dieback may appear.

Help your plant thrive

Keep air moving through the crown and investigate recurring symptoms. Kousa dogwoods are generally less disease-prone than flowering dogwoods, but are not immune.