Greensleeves Dogwood Tree

Cornus kousa ‘Greensleeves’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5a-8b (4?) Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree

Height at Maturity: 15-20′

Width at Maturity: 15-20′

Spacing: 15′ or more from home, structures, and other trees

Growth Habit / Form: Upright, Rounded Vase shape

Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate

Flower Color: Creamy White with tinge of Green followed by abundant Red berries

Flower Size: 3-4″ in diameter

Flowering Period: Late Spring to Early Summer

Flower Type: Single

Fragrant Flowers: No

Berries: Yes – abundant and edible!

Berry Color: Salmon

Foliage Color: Dark Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Sun Needs: Mostly Sun to Part Shade or All Day Filtered or Dappled Sun

Water Needs: Average, Low when established

Soil Type: Clay (Amended), Loam, Sand, Silt

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well Drained Moist

Soil pH: 5.5 – 6.5 (Slighty Acidic to Acidic)

Maintenance / Care: Very Low Maintenance, if any, when left in it’s natural form

Attracts: Visual Attention, Songbirds

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Heat, Insects

Description

Of all the dogwood varieties we’ve grown and trialed in our own north-central Georgia gardens, ‘Greensleeves’ has stood up to our summer heat better than any other. But that’s not the only great attribute. Greensleeves is a 4-season color factory in the landscape. In spring, unusually thick, waxy and shiny deep green leaves emerge that weather well throughout the rest of the season. The heaviest blooming dogwood in our gardens, in late spring to early summer the canopy is literally clothed in pretty, creamy white flowers with pointed petals that are lightly suffused with soft green. Later in the season abundant salmon colored large round berries appear that birds and other wildlife will thank you for. Hungry dogs and humans can eat them too:-) Fall brings a mix of robust red and purple leaves that stand out remarkably well in the landscape. Mottled, exfoliating, tan and gray bark on mature trees provides interest during winter. With so many wonderful attributes, the Greensleeves Dogwood tree deserves a spot in every landscape where it will grow!

If you’ve been afraid to plant a Dogwood tree for fear of disease and/or borer problems, fear not. The dependable Cornus kousa, of which ‘Greensleeves’ is one, has demonstrated excellent resistance to both the dogwood borer and anthracnose disease. In some areas of the U.S., anthracnose has almost wiped out many of the native dogwoods, Cornus florida. Not only does Cornus kousa result in a tree with stronger vigor and resistance to insect and disease, it will look and grow better in full sun than other dogwood species.

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 15 to 20 feet tall and equally as wide over time, the the Greensleeves Dogwood is ideal for use as a specimen, in groupings or in a staggered row in sunny or shady landscape or woodland borders. Also nice to frame the corners of tall homes and to provide beauty and some shade around patios, porches and other outdoor living spaces. A fine addition to woodland gardens, white theme gardens, Asian theme gardens, wildlife gardens, and cottage gardens.

Suggested Spacing: 25′ or more for space between trees

Growing Preferences

Dogwood trees are adaptable to many soil types however prefer a moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Though Dogwood trees will tolerate full sun, we think they look and perform best with some shade or filtered sun during the hottest part of summer afternoons.Constantly soggy or wet soils are problematic. Maintenance is minimal to none. Except to remove a stray or broken branch, no pruning is necessary.

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Plant Long & Prosper!

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