Trees

Cornus kousa 'Samzam'

Samaritan kousa dogwood

Samaritan ('Samzam') kousa dogwood young flower bracts. Photo: Van Ooi, Reeuwijk / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0

Samaritan is a variegated kousa dogwood with creamy leaf margins that may show pink when young. Pale floral bracts complement the foliage, while autumn brings pink and burgundy tones. Strawberry-like red fruit and peeling mature bark provide additional interest after the main flowering season has passed.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 13–26 ft · Width: 13–26 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA zone 5 minimum
Bloom: Creamy-white bracts; late spring to early summer

Sizes & prices

#7Varigated Kousa Dogwood$149.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen
Fruit / litter: Raspberry-like fruits fall in late summer and autumn; fermenting fruit can attract yellow jackets and seedlings may appear.
Major issues: Generally less anthracnose-prone than flowering dogwood; scale, borers, canker and leaf diseases remain possible.
Growth rate: Species guidance: slow; cultivar and growing conditions may differ.
Form: Upright, spreading crown.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Parent-species guidance: Some browsing resistance; not deer-proof. Protect young plants.
Drought: Species tolerates some dryness once established, better than flowering dogwood; irrigate prolonged drought.
Wet soil: Does not tolerate waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: Deciduous

Growing & care

Site: Prefers acidic soil and some afternoon shade; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Allow the layered crown to develop naturally; restrict pruning to damaged, crossing or diseased branches.
Soil: Well-drained

Sources & photo credits

Royal Horticultural Society

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Loen Nursery

Campbell’s Nursery

Ashwood Nurseries

Photo: Van Ooi, Reeuwijk / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement. · CC BY-SA 4.0

Image notes: Samaritan ('Samzam') kousa dogwood young flower bracts. Photo: Van Ooi, Reeuwijk / Trees and Shrubs Online, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized for web without enlargement.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.