Cornus kousa var. chinensis 'Milky Way'

Milky Way Chinese Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus kousa var. chinensis ‘Milky Way’

Overview
A heavily flowering Chinese Kousa dogwood prized for its exceptionally abundant creamy-white bracts that often cover the tree in late spring to early summer after leaf-out. Blooms are produced in great numbers, creating a luminous “snowfall” effect. Glossy green foliage remains clean through summer, turning scarlet to burgundy in fall, followed by ornamental red fruit. ‘Milky Way’ is valued for its vigorous growth and outstanding bloom display.

Size



Width: 20–30 ft



Height: 20–30 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 (fruit)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



More vigorous and floriferous than many standard kousa selections



Allow space for layered branching and mature canopy spread



Notes



Shape: Upright when young, maturing to broad and layered



One of the most floriferous kousa cultivars available



Attractive exfoliating bark develops with maturity



Excellent specimen tree for lawns, parks, and large landscapes



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or deadwood

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-30'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained

Shape

Horizontal Branching, Vase Shaped

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No