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Deciduous And Flowering Trees

Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes'

Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes'

'Wolf Eyes' Kousa dogwood brightens a planting with gray-green leaves edged in creamy white. White bracts, red fruit, and pink-red autumn tones add seasonal changes beyond the foliage display. Growth is relatively slow, but compact habit does not guarantee a dwarf tree: long-term size estimates vary widely, with about 13–26 feet of height and spread a cautious allowance and smaller garden plants common. Choose a sheltered woodland edge or spacious patio-side position with some afternoon protection on hot sites. Maintain moisture in organic, well-drained soil, mulch the shallow roots, and leave access for fruit cleanup. Minimal pruning preserves its natural outline.

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At a glance

Mature height
About 13–26 ft long-term; often smaller in gardens
Mature spread
About 13–26 ft long-term; growth varies
Light
Sun to partial shade; shelter on hot sites
Hardiness
USDA Zones 5–8

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

Use Wolf Eyes as a specimen beside a patio or in a mixed border. Its white-edged leaves remain a feature through summer, after the spring flowering display has finished.

Where to plant

Choose sun or partial shade with shelter from hot afternoon exposure. Long-term size estimates vary substantially, so leave generous canopy room and confirm expected dimensions for the tree being planted.

Through the seasons

White bracts appear above gray-green leaves with pale margins. Red fruit follows, and the foliage takes on pink and red autumn tones.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

Kousa dogwoods are generally less vulnerable to anthracnose than flowering dogwoods. Protect this variegated selection from hot, dry exposure and maintain summer moisture, particularly while its roots establish.

Soil, drainage & water

Plant in acidic, organically rich soil with reliable drainage. Mulch the shallow root area and water through establishment and dry weather, checking that moisture reaches beneath the surface.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Prune sparingly to remove dead or crossing wood. Leave room for the naturally spreading crown and keep surrounding plants from restricting air movement through the lower 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.

Leaf scorch

Leaf margins can brown or dry during heat, drought, or drying wind.

Help your plant thrive

Check moisture below the mulch and provide afternoon shelter on exposed sites. Avoid letting a newly planted tree dry out.

Dogwood leaf disease

Leaf spots, a powdery coating, or declining shoots can indicate disease.

Help your plant thrive

Maintain airflow and avoid unnecessary foliage wetting. Inspect persistent symptoms without assuming the cultivar is highly disease-susceptible.

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