Cornus kousa 'Akatsuki'

Also Known As

Cornus kousa 'Aka tsuki'
Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Akatsuki'
Akatsuki Chinese Dogwood

Plant type

tree

size

H: 15'-18'
W: 12'

planting zones

5a-8b

More Options

Cornus kousa 'Akatsuki' plant details

Cornus kousa 'Akatsuki' is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green, pink, variegated and white foliage. In summer green, pink and white flowers emerge followed by pink and red fruit. Features glossy texture. Does well in acidic, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cornus kousa 'Akatsuki'

Plant type: tree
Plant family: cornaceae
Foliage: deciduous green, pink, variegated and white
Mature size: 12 FT wide, 15 FT - 18 FT - tall
Flowers: green, pink and white blooms in summer
Uses: rare

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cornus kousa 'Akatsuki'

USDA Zones: 5a - 8b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A treat for all seasons, this Japanese selection offers a compact size (to 8' in 10 yrs) along with amazing foliage edged with white-tinted pink (bright pink and purple in fall) and white flowers dotted with pink in spring. S-PSh/M

By: Forestfarm

The Red Moon Dogwood is our most sought-after Kousa Dogwood variety, with its attention being well deserved. Not only does it have one of the most attractive variegation styles of any dogwood, but its flowers feature red bracts outlined with pink margins. The fall color is also excellent as the white component of the leaves turns a bright pink while the green interior takes on a darker red.

Plants are slow growing and do best when grown in an area with afternoon shade. Like other Kousa Dogwoods the flowers produce edible fruit in the fall and flowering is best when trees are only pruned lightly.

By: Red Panda Nursery

A sport of C. k. 'Satomi' from Japan. The leaves have a green center with wide irregular margins of creamy white and pink. The flowers are not totally pink, but with the attractive variegation we can't expect everything.

By: Gossler Farms

Mid pink flower bracts with some white towards the center set against wonderful variegated foliage. The white leaf margins turn colorful shades of pink in fall. A kaleidoscope of color throughout the growing season. Introduced by Japanese plantsman Akiri Shibamichi.

By: Bloom River Gardens

Rarely available; selected as a sport branch on 'Satomi' at Shibamichi Nursery in Japan. It has white-variegated foliage similar to 'Wolf Eyes', but the flower bracts are irregularly specked with pink. With irrigation it is not as susceptible to sunburn in Oregon, but reports from TN growers suggest that it may do best there in partial shade or on a north facing slope to protect it from the worst of late afternoon summer heat.

By: Heritage Seedlings

This rarely available selection of Japanese Dogwood originated as a sport on Cornus k. 'Satomi' at a nursery in Japan. It has variegated foliage similar to 'Wolf Eyes' but the flower bracts have a wide pink edge, and is best sited where it won't get burned by afternoon sun. 15-18' tall ultimately. We have 2-3' plants for spring shipping.