When it comes to planting Cornus kousa, also known as the Kousa dogwood, the best location to consider is an area that receives dappled shade or full sun. Unlike its cousin, Cornus florida, which requires full sun for optimal bract and flower production, Cornus kousa is more versatile in terms of light requirements.
In my personal experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have found that Cornus kousa can thrive and flower equally well in both sun and dappled shade. This makes it a great choice for gardens that may have areas with varying degrees of sunlight throughout the day.
If you have a garden that is predominantly shaded, you can still enjoy the beauty of Cornus kousa’s flowers without compromising their production. The dappled shade provides just the right balance of light and shade for this tree to thrive. This can be particularly beneficial in regions with hot summers, as the partial shade helps protect the tree from excessive heat and sunburn.
On the other hand, if you have a garden with full sun exposure, Cornus kousa will also perform exceptionally well. The ample sunlight will encourage robust growth and abundant flower production. The vibrant bracts and delicate flowers will be showcased in all their glory when the tree receives ample sunlight.
It is important to note that while Cornus kousa can tolerate shade, planting it in deep shade may result in reduced flower production. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting it in areas that are heavily shaded throughout the day.
The best place to plant Cornus kousa is in an area that receives dappled shade or full sun. Unlike Cornus florida, which requires full sun for optimal flowering, Cornus kousa is more adaptable and can thrive in varying light conditions. Whether you have a shaded garden or a sunny one, this versatile tree will reward you with its splendid flowers and attractive foliage.
