Wolf Eyes Chinese Dogwood

Light Needs

Partial Shade to Full Sun

(At Least 3 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

10 - 15 Feet

Mature Spread

10 - 15 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 8

Wolf Eyes Japanese Dogwood, or Cornus Kousa, is a stunning, ornamental dogwood that delights with wavy, gray-green leaves accented with cream margins and cream, star-like bracts tightly bunched, as if layered on the tree. The flower of this tree is ivory and light-green, which produces a small red berry in the fall. As the season progresses, the beautiful cream and green tree takes on a pink hue, turning reddish-purple into fall. As the tree ages, its bark develops a more colorful mottling. 

Wolf Eyes Japanese Dogwood is a small deciduous tree that grows to be 10 to 15 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide. It prefers dappled shade or partial sunlight. The more sunlight it receives, the more the leaves curl, giving the plant more texture in appearance. It is slow-growing and blooms in late spring to early summer. It has a compact appearance, is easy to care for, and is attractive to butterflies. You can plant this beauty en masse or as an individual specimen.

Wolf Eyes Japanese Dogwood Care

You should plant your Wolf Eyes Japanese Dogwood in an area that has filtered sun or partial shade. If planted in an area that receives more sunlight, the leaves begin to curl upward, giving the tree more texture. This dogwood likes neutral to slightly acidic soil that is well-drained. Water your dogwood often to maintain good moisture and fertilize annually with a balanced tree and shrub fertilizer.

To get the best view of the mottling bark, prune Wolf Eyes to expose its larger branches. The best time to prune your dogwood is in late fall or winter when your tree is dormant. If you prune your dogwood in the spring or summer, it may release sap and make it more susceptible to bugs and diseases.

Wolf Eyes Japanese Dogwood Care Spacing

When considering a location for your Wolf Eyes Japanese Dogwood, choose a location that will take advantage of its showmanship. If planting in a group, space them 5 feet apart. If you want a more visual detail, give the 10 feet before the next tree or hardscape.