Cornus Kousa 'Wolf Eyes'

Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes' is a wonderful dogwood. The Cornus floridus, native dogwoods are not doing well in my landscape and I had read where the Cornus kousas are the way to go. These little trees are said to be resistant to anthracnose, a dogwood related fungal disease, and also said to be drought tolerant. I just knew I had to have one to replace the sad and sick and dying native dogwoods in my landscape.


At last year's Nashville Lawn and Garden show I found not only a Cornus kousa, but a 'Wolf Eyes' cultivar. Little did I know at the time how much I would love this little tree. It did not bloom last year due to being newly planted. It had not yet leafed out when the freeze happened since it is slow to leaf out, so it was safe. I occasionally watered it last summer, but not because it was droopy or stressed. No, I watered it only because it was newly planted. I like to make sure plants in the garden that have been in the garden less than one year, have a good start on life by watering them during their first year.

This dogwood bloomed wonderfully this year. You could not see the blooms because they blended in with the white foliage. The foliage is actually variegated but appears to be frosted from a distance. It literally glows. I planted this tree in a visible place anchoring a backyard center garden. This tree is surrounded by other small shrubs, trees and perennials, but it still holds its own and is the most visible plant from my kitchen window. The view kind of gives me an incentive to stand there more often and wash dishes.

Several master gardeners purchased this cultivar at the Shadow Nursery on a recent trip. I hope they enjoy theirs as much as I have enjoyed mine. It is a lovely plant.

in the garden...