Cornus kousa Radiant Rose

Radient Rose Chinese Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus kousa ‘Radiant Rose’

Overview
A vivid pink-bracted Kousa dogwood known for its bright rose-pink to deep rosy-red bracts that appear in late spring to early summer after leaf-out. Blooms are showy and stand out strongly against the glossy green foliage. Summer leaves remain clean and attractive, turning scarlet to burgundy in fall, followed by ornamental red fruit. ‘Radiant Rose’ offers bold color with the durability typical of kousa dogwoods.

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 to preserve bloom color



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



Noted for bright, clear pink bloom color



Exfoliating bark develops with maturity for winter interest



Excellent specimen tree for lawns, courtyards, and mixed borders

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

Late Spring

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Birds, Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Wide Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No