‘Wolf Eyes’ Variegated Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa ‘Wolf Eyes’

Plant Details

USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 5a-8b Find Your Zone

Plant Type: Deciduous Flowering Tree

Height at Maturity: 10-15′

Width at Maturity: 10-15′

Spacing: 7′ or more from home, structures, and other trees

Growth Habit / Form: Upright

Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate

Flower Color: White

Flower Size: 3-4″ in diameter

Flowering Period: Late Spring to Early Summer

Flower Type: Single

Fragrant Flowers: No

Foliage Color: Ivory White and Grey Green

Fragrant Foliage: No

Sun Needs: Morning Sun with Dappled or Afternoon Shade, All Day Filtered or Dappled Sun

Water Needs: Average, Low when established

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

Soil Moisture / Drainage: Moist But Well Drained

Soil pH: 5.5 – 7.0 (Acidic to Neutral)

Maintenance / Care: Low

Attracts: Visual Attention

Resistances: Deer, Disease, Heat, Insects

Description

Our favorite and what we think is the best of the best of all variegated Dogwoods! When looking for a truly one of a kind dogwood look no further than Wolf Eyes, a super-hardy variegated Kousa Dogwood that will light up those shady spots of your landscape. This rare, choice flowering tree has wavy grey green leaves boldly edged in ivory white – in fact, so much white that from a distance you might think the tree was in full bloom! For a variegated dogwood Wolf Eyes is an unusually heavy bloomer and there will be no mistaking those large, starry spring blooms for leaves. The white bracts (petals) surround a rounded cluster of yellowish-green eyes (actual flowers) that have the appearance of “wolf eyes,” hence the name. As with other Cornus kousa varieties, globe-shaped cherry-sized red fruits follow the flowers. The ripened red berries are raspberry-like in appearance. Fall brings yet another color show when the leaves take on shades of pink to mahogany red. A truly spectacular selection that deserves a spot in ever shade garden where it will grow. USDA Zones 5a-8b

Landscape & Garden Uses

Growing 10 to 15 feet tall and equally as wide over time, the Wolf Eyes Dogwood is ideal for use as a specimen or in groupings or in partially shaded landscape and woodland borders. Also nice to frame the corners of homes and to provide beauty 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: 18′ 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.

Note: Find helpful advice from our experts under the Planting & Care tab above on desktop computer monitors or below on mobile devices.

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Arrived in excellent condition, good size, nicely shaped. Just planted. Will check back at the end of the season.——————————————————————We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy it for years to come! Thanks for the kind words and great review! 🙂 Beth Steele | WBG