PERFECT PLANTS White Kousa Dogwood Tree — 4–5 ft live plant, showy spring blooms & low‑maintenance native

A 4–5 ft live White Kousa Dogwood (Cornus florida) from PERFECT PLANTS—an ornamental, low-maintenance native tree that produces showy white bracts in spring and matures to 15–30 ft.

This young White Kousa Dogwood arrives ready to establish in your garden with a planting guide and a special fertilizer blend included. A classic American landscape tree, it brings layered seasonal interest: delicate white floral displays in spring, green summer foliage, and a compact, broadly pyramidal shape that works well in yards, borders, and mixed native plantings. It thrives in full sun to part shade across USDA zones 5–8 and is noted for its durable, dense wood and adaptable nature.

How large will this 4–5 ft dogwood grow and how fast?

When mature, expect the White Kousa to reach about 15–30 feet tall with a similar spread, forming a low-branching, broadly pyramidal crown that can appear slightly flattened on top. Growth rate is moderate; a newly planted 4–5 ft specimen typically establishes in the first few years and then adds steady annual growth once established.

• Mature height: commonly 15–30 ft (varies by site).
• Spread: broadly pyramidal, often matching height.
• Growth rate: moderate—initial establishment in 1–3 years.
• Form: low-branching with a rounded-flat top habit.

What are the light, soil and zone requirements?

White Kousa Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types as long as drainage is reasonable. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8 and tolerates some drought once established, though younger trees benefit from regular watering during the first two seasons.

• Sun: full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade helps in hottest sites.
• Soil: prefers well-draining, fertile soil but tolerates clay or loam.
• Zones: 5–8 suitable for reliable winter survival.
• Water: moderate—keep evenly moist during establishment.

When does it bloom and what do the flowers look like?

Blooming occurs in early spring, often overlapping with redbud season, producing clusters of small, button-like yellow-green flowers that are surrounded by four showy, white petal-like bracts. From a distance the display reads as single, four-petaled white flowers, making the tree a standout in spring landscapes.

• Bloom time: early spring, overlaps redbud bloom period.
• Flower structure: tiny central clusters with four white bracts each.
• Visual effect: large, white floral display across the crown.
• Additional interest: attractive green summer foliage and distinctive wood.

How should I plant and care for my new 4–5 ft dogwood?

Plant in a prepared hole twice the width of the root ball, set at the same soil depth as the nursery container, and backfill with native soil mixed with the included special fertilizer as directed. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and protect roots, water consistently during the first two years, and prune only to remove dead or crossing branches after flowering.

• Planting: follow the included planting guide and use the special fertilizer provided.
• Mulch: 2–3 inches around roots, avoid piling against the trunk.
• Watering: regular watering first 1–2 seasons; then drought tolerant.
• Pruning: light corrective pruning after bloom; avoid heavy pruning late in season.

Who is this for: The PERFECT PLANTS White Kousa Dogwood is ideal for homeowners, native-plant gardeners, and landscape designers seeking a manageable shade or specimen tree with strong seasonal appeal. It fits small to medium-sized yards, native planting schemes, and anyone who wants a relatively low-maintenance ornamental that offers spring blooms, summer foliage, and long-term presence. Note: this item cannot be shipped to California or Arizona due to state restrictions.