Description
(also known as Chinese dogwood, strawberry tree, Yamaboushi, Benthamidia kousa)
The Japanese Dogwood with large fruits (Cornus kousa 'Christine') is a decorative and productive shrub, native to Japan and Korea. This variety combines a spectacular late-spring bloom with tasty, edible fruits reminiscent of mango and strawberry. With a slow to moderate growth rate, it forms a beautiful layered horizontal branching habit, reaching 2 to 4 meters in height and spread. In autumn, its foliage turns a striking purplish-red, making it an eye-catching feature throughout the seasons. The red to pink spherical fruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, perfect for eating fresh or making jams and desserts.
Origin: Japan, Korea, China
Botanical family: Cornaceae
Introduced to Europe in the 19th century as an ornamental species, 'Christine' stands out within the Cornus kousa group for its abundant and flavourful fruits—a rare trait among ornamental dogwoods.
Mature height: 2 to 4 m
Spread: up to 4 m
Form: Layered, horizontal branching
Bark: Grey to light brown, flaking with age
Foliage: Deciduous, green in summer, deep purplish-red in autumn
Growth rate: Moderate (30 to 40 cm/year)
Hardiness: Excellent (down to −20 °C)
Bloom time: Late May to June
Flowers: Large white bracts forming star-like blooms, highly ornamental
Garden interest: Exceptional show of color and texture
Season: Late August to October
Shape and color: Round, red to pink, 2–4 cm diameter
Taste: Sweet, exotic flavour reminiscent of mango and strawberry
Use: Eaten fresh, in jams, jellies or baked goods
Nutritional value: High in vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants
Exposure: Partial sun to dappled shade, best in woodland edge
Soil type: Humus-rich, cool, well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic
Important: Avoid dry or alkaline soils
Planting season: October to March, outside frost periods
Soil prep: Add mature compost and mulch generously
Spacing: 3 to 4 m between plants
Advice: Water regularly for the first two years
Young plants: Consistent watering from spring through autumn
Mature plants: Less demanding but not drought tolerant
When and how:
Light shaping after flowering
Remove deadwood in late winter
Tolerance: Handles pruning well if moderate
Methods: Grafting (onto Cornus kousa), occasionally layering or seeds
Note: Fruit-producing cultivars are propagated mainly by grafting
Ideal for:
Standalone ornamental shrub
Fruit and flower border
Shady edible gardens or woodland edges
Companions: Hostas, ferns, hydrangeas, foliage contrast plants
Fruits are edible and sweet, with an exotic taste. They are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. In Asian folk medicine, they are sometimes used for digestion and revitalization.
Resistance: Generally strong
Potential issues: Powdery mildew, leaf spot in overly wet conditions
Prevention: Good air flow, mulch, and proper watering
Choose moist, humus-rich woodland soil
Add compost in late winter
Refresh mulch in spring
Avoid full sun and drought stress
Ensure adequate watering early on
'Christine' is valued for:
Abundant large edible fruits
Striking white blooms
Deep red autumn foliage
Year-round ornamental appeal and cold resistance
The Japanese Dogwood with large fruits (Cornus kousa 'Christine') is an exceptional choice for gardens that combine ornamental beauty and harvest potential. Its large edible fruits, vibrant autumn color, and showy spring blooms make it ideal for naturalistic gardens, edible borders, or woodland plantings. Hardy and easy to grow, this shrub thrives in humus-rich soils with partial shade. Whether you're drawn to its culinary uses, nutritional benefits, or simply its striking year-round presence, 'Christine' offers a balance of flavor, resilience, and visual delight.
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