Kousa Dogwood Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes' (v)

Water

Kousa dogwood 'Wolf Eyes' prefers a consistent watering schedule, especially during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1.5 to 2 gallons per session for young trees, and more for established trees depending on the tree size and soil conditions. During hot, dry spells, additional watering may be necessary. Be sure to adjust the watering schedule during rainy periods to prevent overwatering. It's also beneficial to use mulch to help retain soil moisture.

Light

Kousa dogwood 'Wolf Eyes' thrives in conditions where it receives partial shade to full sun. A location receiving morning sunlight with some afternoon shade is ideal to protect its variegated leaves from excessive sun, which can cause leaf scorch. However, it can tolerate a fair amount of sunlight if the soil moisture is consistent.

Temperature

Kousa dogwood 'Wolf Eyes' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from a winter low of approximately -10°F to a summer high that can exceed 100°F. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 60°F and 75°F. Ensure it is protected from harsh winter winds to prevent damage to the variegated foliage.

Pruning

Prune the Kousa dogwood 'Wolf Eyes' to remove any dead or damaged branches, to shape the tree, and improve air circulation within the canopy. Pruning should take place in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Light pruning can also be done after the flowering period to maintain the desired shape.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Kousa dogwood 'Wolf Eyes' thrives in well-draining, rich, acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The best mix is one part peat, one part loam, and one part sand or perlite to facilitate good drainage while retaining adequate moisture.

Repotting

Kousa dogwood 'Wolf Eyes' does not typically require frequent repotting and is usually planted in the landscape rather than containers. If grown in a pot, it may need repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and expand the root space.

Humidity & Misting

Kousa dogwood 'Wolf Eyes' prefers average outdoor humidity levels. As a landscape plant, it typically adapts to the local humidity conditions and does not require additional humidity control.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Grow in bright, indirect light with moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, protect from harsh sun and wind.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

Cornus kousa 'Wolf Eyes', also known as Kousa Dogwood 'Wolf Eyes', begins its life cycle with seed germination, which typically takes place in spring after a period of cold stratification. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the development of the primary root, stem, and first true leaves. The plant then enters into a vegetative growth phase, where it expands its root system, branches, and foliage, and may take several years to mature before it's capable of flowering. Once mature, the Kousa Dogwood 'Wolf Eyes' enters the reproductive stage, producing characteristic white to pink flower bracts in late spring to early summer, which are followed by berry-like fruits that attract birds. After the flowering and fruiting stage, the plant enters a period of senescence in late fall to winter, losing leaves and entering dormancy to survive cold temperatures. This cycle repeats annually, with the plant potentially living for decades, continuing to grow in size and spread.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late winter to early spring

• The Kousa dogwood 'Wolf Eyes', a variegated cultivar, is most commonly propagated through softwood cuttings. This method typically takes place in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is just beginning to harden but is still flexible. To propagate by cuttings, select a healthy stem with new growth, cutting a 4- to 6-inch piece with a sharp, sterilized knife or pruners. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cutting is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The treated cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or sand, ensuring that the leaf nodes are buried where roots will form. The pot needs to be kept under high humidity, often achieved by placing a plastic bag or dome over it, and in indirect light until roots have established, which usually takes several weeks. Once rooted, the new Kousa dogwood 'Wolf Eyes' can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the garden during the appropriate planting season.