Heart Throb Chinese Dogwood: A Striking Kousa Dogwood Cultivar for Elegant Spring Color and Year-Round Interest

Heart Throb Chinese Dogwood features showy clusters of rose flowers with hot pink bracts held atop the branches from mid to late spring. It features an abundance of magnificent pink berries from early to mid fall. It has bluish-green deciduous foliage. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding dark red in the fall. Heart Throb Chinese Dogwood is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with a stunning habit of growth which features almost oriental horizontally-tiered branches. This is a relatively low maintenance tree, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard.

Heart Throb Chinese Dogwood will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. This tree does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates.

'Heart Throb' Chinese Dogwood is a stunning cultivar of the Kousa dogwood, known for its rich rose pink flower bracts that last longer than other varieties. This small tree is perfect as an accent in any landscape, adding a pop of color and elegance. It features showy clusters of rose flowers with hot pink bracts in the spring and abundant pink berries in the fall. The green deciduous leaves turns a beautiful dark red in autumn. The peeling gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the overall landscape. This cultivar is a low-maintenance tree that attracts birds to your yard. It reaches a height and spread of 15 feet in 10 years, making it suitable for smaller spaces.

Heart Throb Chinese Dogwood thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires average to evenly moist, well-drained, and acidic soil. Limited Quantities Available !! As we have over a thousand cultivars of woody ornamentals, we often do not have many of each cultivar. Dogwoods are beloved small trees and shrubs grown for spring bracts, layered form, berries, fall color, and wildlife value. Many ornamental dogwoods perform in USDA Zones 5-9, with exact range depending on species and cultivar. Dogwoods have shallow roots and need steady moisture during establishment and dry spells. Dogwoods prefer well-drained, organic, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dogwoods grow in full sun to part shade, but afternoon shade is preferred in warm climates. Dogwoods are not heavy feeders. Use mulch and soil health first. Prune dogwoods lightly to remove dead, diseased, crossing, or poorly attached branches. Winter care is mainly about cultivar hardiness, mulch, and protection from bark injury or animal damage. Choose dogwoods by climate, disease pressure, and site. Dogwoods decline quickly after root compaction, trunk wounds, or drought.

The Heart Throb Dogwood is a striking flowering dogwood known for its exceptionally large, deep red blooms that create a dramatic spring display. This improved variety offers richer color and larger bracts than many traditional red dogwoods, making it a standout focal point in any landscape. As the seasons progress, it develops lush green foliage followed by attractive red fruit and vibrant fall color. At Plant Me Green, we carefully handle, package, and ship every order to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive. Plant Me Green ships from multiple nursery locations, including Oregon, Tennessee, and Florida.

🚨 Please note: We are unable to hold orders. STEP 1) First, decide on a planting location. Consider carefully what kind of sun, soil, and growing-space your tree or shrub will need. STEP 2) Once you've located the perfect spot, the hole you are digging must be at least double the width and as deep as the root system you are planting. STEP 3) Remove the plant from the pot and place the root ball in the hole. The top of the root system should be level with the ground. Dogwood trees thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, keeping soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Prune lightly in late winter or after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.

Dogwoods are beloved small trees and shrubs grown for spring bracts, layered form, berries, fall color, and wildlife value. Many ornamental dogwoods perform in USDA Zones 5-9, with exact range depending on species and cultivar. Dogwoods have shallow roots and need steady moisture during establishment and dry spells. Dogwoods prefer well-drained, organic, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dogwoods grow in full sun to part shade, but afternoon shade is preferred in warm climates. Dogwoods are not heavy feeders. Use mulch and soil health first. Prune dogwoods lightly to remove dead, diseased, crossing, or poorly attached branches. Winter care is mainly about cultivar hardiness, mulch, and protection from bark injury or animal damage. Choose dogwoods by climate, disease pressure, and site.

The Heart Throb Dogwood is a striking flowering dogwood known for its exceptionally large, deep red blooms that create a dramatic spring display. This improved variety offers richer color and larger bracts than many traditional red dogwoods, making it a standout focal point in any landscape. As the seasons progress, it develops lush green foliage followed by attractive red fruit and vibrant fall color.

Practical considerations and garden design

Heart Throb Chinese Dogwood is a stunning cultivar of the Kousa dogwood, known for its rich rose pink flower bracts that last longer than other varieties. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard and is suitable for planting under power lines due to its modest height at maturity. Its striking horizontal branch arrangement adds an almost oriental flair to borders, courtyards, or entryways. For best performance, plant in full sun to partial shade with acidic, well-drained soil and maintain steady moisture. Mulching after planting helps conserve moisture and protect roots in colder microclimates.

Maintenance and care tips

  • Prune after flowering to preserve current season’s blossoms.
  • Provide a thick mulch in winter to protect roots in exposed locations.
  • Water regularly during the first growing season; keep soil evenly moist.
  • Apply 2-3 inch mulch layer, keeping it away from the trunk.
  • Monitor for chlorosis in alkaline soils and adjust soil acidity as needed.
Heart Throb Chinese Dogwood growth habit illustration

Empress of China® Dogwood

Choose dogwoods by climate, disease pressure, and site, noting that dogwoods decline quickly after root compaction, trunk wounds, or drought. The Heart Throb cultivar offers a dramatic spring display and enduring year-round interest, making it a standout choice for smaller spaces or accent plantings in residential landscapes.

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