Do you have a Kousa Dogwood Tree?

Question

I was thinking of planting a row of Kousa Dogwood Trees along my property. I live in zone 6. I was just wondering if you are happy with your tree? Does it bloom well? Does it look good in the fall? And most important, does the fruit make a big mess or do the birds and squirrels actually eat it? I was considering Milky Way Select. Do you recommend another variety? Why? Thank you for all of your help!

Answer 1

I have had a landscape business for 14 years and very much enjoy using kousa dogwoods in my designs. I have 3 at my own home(nj zone 6) and they are a newer variety which have been crossed with regular dogwoods. I have had them over 10 years and actually took them with me when I moved to a new home.I was first introduced to them in college about 15 years ago, one of my professors has patents on the 'stellar series' which probably includes the milky way variety. They all have been crossed with regular dogwoods so the flowers tend to be larger and they flower before the regular kousas, in our zone late may into june. Their growth rate is medium, (not too fast or slow) and rarely need pruning,they hold a nice v shape.The fruit would only be a slight problem if planted along a walk or drive. They do turn a beautiful red color in late summer, but you may not see many because the birds do love to eat them, and nice to watch them feed! Kousas also have an attractive fall color, orange/yellow. They do prefer a sunny location for optimum blooming, unlike regular dogwoods. I do fertilize mine with a general organic fertilizer in early spring. I use granular and sprinkle it around the base to the outer branches (dripline). One of my clients has a pink kousa, very nice, I didn't install it, and have a feeling it is not widely available yet. Even if you decide not to use them along your property, I would definitely recommend using one as an accent or focal point somewhere in your yard. As far as recommending a variety, any of the newer varieties are nice, I usually like to pick the best looking specimens available.Good luck, sorry if too long but was happy to answer this question.

Answer 2

I have three Kousas and they are nice, compact, well behaved trees. Mine bloom every year in June (Zone 5)so yours would probably bloom in May. It's resistant to most diseases and pests, although I did get thrips once on one of them. In the fall the leaves are red and the fruit isn't a problem. The one in the front is a Milky Way and the 2 in the back I got 5 or 6 years ago and I don't really remember what variety they are--I just remember they are the same so they do everything together. I have never reqretted having them. I also have some domestic dogwoods too.

Answer 3

I have 3 Kousas and they are effective, compact, nicely behaved timber. Mine bloom in line with annum in June (Zone 5)so yours would in all likelihood bloom in would. that is immune to maximum ailments and pests, even although I did get thrips once on absolutely one of them. contained in the fall the leaves are pink and the fruit isn't a challenge. the only interior the front is a Milky way and both contained in the decrease back I were given 5 or 6 years in the past and that i do not quite keep in mind what form they are--I in basic terms keep in mind they are an same so as that they do each and every thing at the same time. I have not in any respect reqretted having them. I have some relations dogwoods too.