Cornus kousa Milky way
Price range: £65.00 through £195.00
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Description
Quick Facts
Botanical Name: Cornus kousa ‘Milky Way’
Common Name: Kousa Dogwood ‘Milky Way’
Plant Type: Deciduous flowering tree (often grown as a small multi-stem)
Position: Full sun to partial shade (sheltered is best)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil; slightly acidic to neutral
Ultimate Height/Spread: Approx. 4–6m x 3–5m (slow to moderate)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Foliage: Fresh green leaves, turning rich red-purple in autumn
Flowering: Masses of creamy-white bracts in early summer
Hardiness: Hardy in Ireland & the UK
Common Name: Kousa Dogwood ‘Milky Way’
Plant Type: Deciduous flowering tree (often grown as a small multi-stem)
Position: Full sun to partial shade (sheltered is best)
Soil: Moist, well-drained, fertile soil; slightly acidic to neutral
Ultimate Height/Spread: Approx. 4–6m x 3–5m (slow to moderate)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Foliage: Fresh green leaves, turning rich red-purple in autumn
Flowering: Masses of creamy-white bracts in early summer
Hardiness: Hardy in Ireland & the UK
A small tree that flowers like a celebration
If you’re looking for a tree that feels truly special, Cornus kousa ‘Milky Way’ is hard to beat. In early summer it’s covered in thousands of creamy-white “flowers” (technically bracts) so it looks as though it’s been dusted with light — hence the name.
It has that rare combination of elegance and impact: beautiful layered branches, fresh foliage through summer, and then a deep, glowing autumn colour that makes it a standout again later in the year. A perfect choice for a feature spot in a lawn, a courtyard, or at the edge of a border where you can really enjoy the shape.
Where it thrives best
‘Milky Way’ is happiest in moisture-retentive but free-draining soil. It doesn’t love extremes — avoid very dry, sandy spots or heavy, waterlogged ground. A sheltered position will protect the flowers and keep the foliage looking pristine, especially in windy gardens.
Styling ideas
- Stunning with underplanting of ferns, hydrangeas, hostas, and woodland-style perennials
- Beautiful paired with spring bulbs and later-season shade lovers for a long “season of interest”
- Works brilliantly as a focal point in contemporary gardens too — especially with grasses and simple groundcover
Caragh Garden Notebook
- Watering: Water well while establishing (first 1–2 seasons), especially in dry spells.
- Mulch: Mulch annually to keep roots cool and conserve moisture.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning needed — remove dead or crossing branches in late winter/early spring.
- Top tip: If you can, choose a spot where it gets morning sun and a little shelter — it helps the tree flower generously and colour well in autumn.
Additional information
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