Cornus kousa ‘Summer Gold’ – Variegated Kousa Dogwood Tree

Add brilliant color and elegant structure to your landscape with the spectacular ‘Summer Gold’ Kousa Dogwood! This distinctive ornamental tree features crisp green foliage edged with bright golden-yellow margins. Its narrow, upright growth habit and changing seasonal colors make it a beautiful focal point for gardens and smaller landscapes.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Cornus kousa ‘Summer Gold’

• Common Name: Summer Gold Kousa Dogwood

• Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental tree

• Foliage: Green centers with brilliant golden-yellow margins

• Growth Habit: Upright, narrowly conical

• Shipping Height: Approximately 3–4 feet tall

• Pot Size: 3-gallon nursery pot

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8

Beautiful Seasonal Features

Spring & Summer Foliage

• Bright green leaves framed by crisp golden-yellow edges.

• Golden variegation is described as remaining vibrant throughout the growing season.

• Excellent visual contrast against dark fences, walls, and evergreen backgrounds.

Late Spring to Early Summer Flowers

• Classic star-shaped Kousa dogwood flower bracts.

• Creamy white appearance that may develop a delicate pink blush as they age.

• Typically blooms around June, depending on local climate.

Fall Color

• Golden leaf margins transform into pinkish-red tones.

• Green centers develop rich purple-burgundy shades.

• May produce distinctive bumpy red fruits in autumn.

Size & Growth Habit

‘Summer Gold’ has a strong, upright, narrowly conical form that is more columnar than many spreading dogwood varieties.

• Approximate 10-Year Size: 8 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide.

• Potential Mature Size: 12–15 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide.

These are approximate landscape dimensions; actual growth varies with climate and growing conditions.

Growing Conditions & Care

• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade. Afternoon shade may be beneficial in hotter climates.

• Soil: Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil.

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture while establishing. Water during extended hot, dry periods.

• Mulching: Apply mulch around the root zone to help retain moisture and keep shallow roots cool.

• Drainage: Avoid heavy, waterlogged soil and standing water.

Landscape Uses

• Small gardens and urban landscapes

• Narrow planting spaces and garden corners

• Ornamental specimen tree

• Bright focal point against dark backgrounds

• Multi-season landscape interest

Shipping & Plant Arrival

You will receive one live Cornus kousa ‘Summer Gold’ tree, approximately 3–4 feet tall, shipped in a 3-gallon nursery pot.

Natural variations in branching, foliage color, and plant shape are normal. Foliage appearance changes with the seasons, so the plant may look different depending on the time of year. Temporary leaf changes or shipping stress may occur during transit.

Please unpack promptly after delivery and allow the tree to acclimate gradually.

Please Note: The listed height is the approximate shipping size, not the mature tree size. Flowering and fruit production depend on plant maturity, season, climate, and growing conditions. Flowers and fruit are not guaranteed upon arrival.