Kousa 'Madame Butterfly' Cornus kousa 'Madame Butterfly'

Water

Kousa dogwood trees, including the 'Madame Butterfly' variety, should be watered deeply once a week during the first growing season to help establish a strong root system. After the first year, watering can be reduced to every couple of weeks, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Generally, provide about 1-2 inches of water, or approximately 1-1.5 gallons per square foot every week during the growing season. In periods of drought or extreme heat, increase the frequency of watering to prevent stress. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-drained and not soggy.

Light

The Kousa dogwood 'Madame Butterfly' prefers a spot with partial shade to full sun. It thrives best in conditions where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers. However, it is capable of adapting to full sun exposure, provided it has adequate moisture.

Temperature

Kousa dogwood 'Madame Butterfly' performs well in a range of temperatures, though it prefers a moderate climate. The plant is hardy and can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to about -10 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Optimal growth occurs in temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect the tree from extreme cold and frost, especially when it's young.

Pruning

Kousa dogwood 'Madame Butterfly' requires pruning to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning should be done sparingly, focusing on keeping the tree's natural form and removing only necessary branches. Periodically thin out the crown to allow light and air movement to the inner parts of the tree.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Kousa Dogwood 'Madame Butterfly' thrives in well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or peat provides an optimal growing medium.

Repotting

Kousa Dogwood 'Madame Butterfly' does not commonly require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound.

Humidity & Misting

Kousa Dogwood 'Madame Butterfly' prefers moderate humidity levels; while adaptable, ensuring consistent humidity without allowing conditions to become too arid or excessively damp is beneficial.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and ensure pot has good drainage.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, mulch, water deeply, protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Cornus kousa 'Madame Butterfly', commonly known as Kousa Dogwood, begins its life cycle when seeds are dispersed by animals or gravity. Upon finding a favorable spot in the soil, the seeds germinate in spring, given adequate moisture and temperature conditions. Seedlings emerge and establish a root system, developing into young saplings with characteristic opposite, simple leaves. As the sapling matures over the years, it forms a distinctive vase-shaped structure with layered branches and starts to produce the variegated white to pink bracts in late spring that visually signal the reproductive stage. The true flowers within the bracts are pollinated by insects, leading to the production of berry-like fruits that attract birds, thereby enabling seed dispersal. Over time, the Kousa Dogwood can reach up to 25 feet in height, going through yearly cycles of growth, flowering, fruiting, and dormancy in winter until it reaches its natural end of life, which can span several decades.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Cornus kousa 'Madame Butterfly', commonly known as the Kousa Dogwood, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is most successful when cuttings are taken in late spring or early summer when the new growth is still tender and green, yet has begun to harden slightly. To propagate by cuttings, one should select healthy shoots and cut sections approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, making sure each cutting has a few leaves. The bottom end of the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone to facilitate root development and planted in a moist potting mix. It's important to maintain high humidity and steady warmth around the cuttings to encourage rooting, which can be aided by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. With proper care, the cuttings will root in a few weeks, after which they can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions.