Cornus kousa ‘China Girl’

‘China Girl’ is one of the most generous-flowering Chinese dogwoods you can buy, often flowering even as a young plant. In June the branches carry large, showy creamy-white bracts that surround tiny greenish flowers, with the whole tree looking smothered in blossom for two to three weeks.

Dark green oval leaves turn through orange to red in autumn, and fleshy deep pink strawberry-like fruits follow the flowers. It grows to around 4 x 4m in 20 years, so it’s a good small garden specimen. Holds an RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Plant in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade. Dislikes shallow chalk.

A proper statement tree for a front lawn or specimen spot where you’ll see it every day in summer.