Trees

Cornus kousa 'Summer Gold'

Summer Gold kousa dogwood

Summer Gold kousa dogwood ('Summer Gold', PP22,765), flower bracts and variegated foliage. Photo courtesy of PlantHaven International under its product promotional-use grant

Summer Gold is grown for wavy green leaves outlined in golden yellow. White floral bracts add an early-summer display, while the variegated canopy takes on increasing crimson tones later in the season. Its colorful foliage gives this deciduous dogwood a useful role as a specimen beyond the flowering period.

At a glance

Sun: Sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 6–8 ft after 10 years · Width: 4–6 ft in supplier garden-size estimate
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5–8
Bloom: White bracts, June

Sizes & prices

#5$124.99
#10Dogwood$89.99

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; woodland edge
Form: Upright when young, broadening with age
Growth rate: Slow
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.

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

Ashwood Nurseries

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Monrovia

Photo: Summer Gold kousa dogwood ('Summer Gold', PP22,765), photo courtesy of PlantHaven International; resized for web. · PlantHaven product promotional-use photo grant

Image notes: Summer Gold kousa dogwood ('Summer Gold', PP22,765), flower bracts and variegated foliage. Photo courtesy of PlantHaven International under its product promotional-use grant; resized for web.

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