Dogwood

About this plant

Cornus kousa 'Summer Fun' is a distinguished specimen revered for its stunning variegated foliage and prolific floral display. Its leaves emerge with a creamy white margin, which deepens to pink hues as the season progresses, creating a dynamic visual interest from spring through fall. Beyond its captivating leaves, 'Summer Fun' produces an abundance of star-like white bracts in late spring to early summer, followed by intriguing, raspberry-like red fruits that persist into autumn, attracting birds. Its elegant, often multi-stemmed habit and exfoliating bark add year-round appeal. This cultivar offers a sophisticated touch to garden landscapes, whether as a focal point, in a mixed border, or underplanting taller trees. Its compact size and manageable growth make it suitable for smaller gardens or urban settings where a show-stopping tree is desired without overwhelming the space. 'Summer Fun' is not just a tree; it's a living piece of art that evolves with the seasons.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Plant in well-drained, acidic soil enriched with organic matter. While adaptable, 'Summer Fun' prefers a slightly acidic environment. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Pruning is generally minimal, focused on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring. Protect from strong afternoon sun in hotter climates to prevent leaf scorch. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer designed for trees and shrubs.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.