Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood

Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa 'Greensleeves')

Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa 'Greensleeves') is a refined, disease-resistant cultivar known for its clean white blooms, vigorous growth, and attractive fall color. A selection from Rutgers University, this tree brings four seasons of beauty with a graceful form and outstanding garden performance, making it a dependable focal point for landscapes both large and small.

Distinctive Features

'Greensleeves' produces abundant creamy white bracts in late spring to early summer, after most other dogwoods have finished flowering. Its lush green foliage remains clean and mildew-free through the growing season before transitioning to vivid shades of orange, red, and scarlet in autumn. Small, strawberry-like red fruits appear in late summer, attracting birds and adding a touch of ornamental charm. The tree matures to 20�25 feet tall and 15�20 feet wide with a broadly vase-shaped habit.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
• Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture, especially when establishing
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5�8

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Late blooms and rich fall color create lasting visual interest
• Specimen Tree: Elegant branching structure and compact size suit front yards and courtyards
• Mixed Borders: Combines beautifully with shade-tolerant shrubs and perennials
• Wildlife Gardens: Supports pollinators with blooms and birds with fruit
• Residential Landscapes: A low-maintenance ornamental that adapts well to urban or suburban settings

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly during dry spells to maintain healthy growth
• Pruning: Minimal; shape lightly in winter if needed to enhance form
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support bloom production
• Mulching: Mulch to retain moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds
• Protection: Naturally resistant to common dogwood diseases, including anthracnose

Why Choose Greensleeves Kousa Dogwood?

• Extended Bloom Time: Blooms later than most dogwoods, prolonging the floral season
• Clean Foliage: Maintains a tidy, disease-resistant canopy through summer
• Vibrant Fall Color: Leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange
• Bird-Friendly Fruit: Decorative berries add texture and ecological value
• Focal Point: Refined form and multiseason beauty make it a standout landscape feature

Cornus kousa 'Greensleeves' offers exceptional reliability, late-season blooms, and strong seasonal transitions, making it an ideal focal point or specimen tree for gardeners seeking performance and beauty in equal measure.