Cornus kousa chinensis 'Big Apple'
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BIG APPLE KOUSA, BIG APPLE DOGWOOD, KOUSA DOGWOOD
Family: Cornaceae
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Trees.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 2-9,14-17.
USDA zones: 5-8.
Mature size:
Height: 22 feet (7 m).
Width: 15 feet (5 m).
Flowering period:
June.
Flowering attributes:
The showy white bracts are 5½ inches across and surround the small flowers in the center. The flowers are hermaphroditic with both male and female organs. Fruit follows the flowers and this cultivar has quite large fruit at 1¼-1½ inches wide.
Leaf attributes:
Dark green leaves.
Light:
Full sun or partial shade.
Soil:
Moist, humus rich, well-drained, neutral to acidic soil.
Feeding:
Fertilize in spring, after the new leaves emerge. Avoid fertilizing trees stressed by our summer drought.
Propagation Methods:
Root greenwood cuttings in summer. | Root hardwood cuttings in fall.
Pruning Methods:
Minimum pruning is best. Remove crossing or wayward branches to maintain a strong framework, in late winter to early spring.
Pests and Diseases:
This cultivar is resistant to honey fungus, powdery mildew, dogwood anthracnose and spot anthracnose.
Rainy Side Notes
Cornus kousa 'Big Apple' features very large fruit and textured dark green leaves. It resembles a raspberry but is a very firm fruit. The fruit is edible and will stay on the tree through October. Another tree, for pollination, is necessary if you want fruit.
Water deeply, 1 to 2 inches per week, during our drought period, especially if your tree is located in full sun.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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