Cornus kousa 'Heart Throb'

Heart Throb Kousa Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus kousa ‘Heart Throb’

Overview
A bold red-bracted Kousa dogwood prized for its deep rose-red to raspberry-colored bracts that appear in late spring to early summer after leaf-out. Blooms are larger and richer in color than many pink kousa selections. Glossy green foliage remains clean through summer, turning red to burgundy in fall, followed by ornamental red fruit. ‘Heart Throb’ offers vibrant color with strong disease resistance.

Size



Width: 15–20 ft



Height: 15–20 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–8b



Light



Full sun to partial shade



Morning sun with afternoon shade preferred in hotter regions



Soil



Well-drained soils; prefers moist, organic-rich loam



Slightly acidic pH preferred



Avoid compacted or poorly drained sites



Attracts



Pollinators (flowers)



Birds (ornamental fruit)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



More heat- and disease-tolerant than Cornus florida



Allow space for layered branching and mature canopy spread



Notes



Shape: Upright when young, maturing to broad and layered



One of the richest red-flowering kousa selections



Exfoliating bark develops with maturity for winter interest



Excellent specimen tree for lawns, courtyards, and mixed borders



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or deadwood

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-20'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Red, Salmon

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Birds, Butterflies

Soil

Loamy

Shape

Horizontal Branching, Vase Shaped

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No