Trees

Cornus kousa 'Summer Fun'

Summer Fun kousa dogwood

Summer Fun kousa dogwood. Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Summer Fun combines white early-summer bracts with boldly variegated green and white leaves. The foliage remains an important feature after bloom and changes to pink and red tones in autumn. Some afternoon shade helps preserve the leaves in hot summers, making it a bright accent for a lightly shaded garden.

At a glance

Sun: Partial shade
Size: Height: 15 ft · Width: 12 ft
Water: Average to moist soil
Hardiness: USDA 5
Bloom: White bracts, June

Sizes & prices

#7Kousa Dogwood hybrid with variegated leaves$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 small tree.

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

Pleasant Run Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; resized for web. · CC BY 4.0

Image notes: Summer Fun kousa dogwood. Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; resized for web.

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