Chinese Flowering Trees

Identification

• Chinese flowering trees include the Chinese pear (Pyrus pyrifolia), also referred to as sand pear and apple pear. It is a native of Japan and China. Chinese dogwood (Cornus kousa) is a native of Korea, Japan and China. The tree also is referred to as kousa dogwood.

Description

• Chinese dogwood grows 10 to 30 feet, depending on variety, and blooms with clusters of large, pink to red bracts around ½-inch flowers. The 3-inch-long foliage assumes purple red shades in the fall. The Chinese pear tree has a mature height of about 40 feet with a 20-foot spread. The white 1- to 1-½-inch, five-petaled flowers appear in spring, followed by inedible fruit.

Cultural Requirements

• Plant Chinese dogwood in areas of full sun for best growth. The drought-tolerant tree is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 8. Chinese dogwood trees do not perform well in regions with hot and humid weather. Chinese pear trees are hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9 and thrive best in full sun. Water regularly, especially if the trees are grown in sandy soil.