Cornus kousa 'Schmred' HEART THROB® Japanese dogwood

In 1995 James Schmidt from Oregon, USA, patented his version of Japanese dogwood named HEART THROB® with bright pink flowers. Botanically, they are flowers bracts, while flowers are inconspicuous, very small and form a tiny sphere in the middle of the four bracts. Since the flower bracts are in fact leaves the “flowering” in this case begins at the end of spring when the plant is fully leaved and lasts for as long as 8 weeks before the bracts fade away.

The bracts colour is light pink to bright rosy-pink. It depends on how well the plant is established (how long in a location), the soil quality, and if exposed to full sun. Older plants bear more colourful “flowers” than freshly transplanted specimens.


Pointed leaves are deciduous, ovate, dark green and slightly drooping. The best show begins in early autumn when they turn to deep orange and bright red and purple.

Every dogwood likes acidic soil, rich in organic material, and always moist. Some gardeners advise planting it in semi-shade to reduce summer sunlight but we do not recommend that. Plant it in full sun and mulch the roots well. In dry spells provide extra watering and thus you can be sure your dogwood will flower profusely and will be richer and healthier. Use of selective fertilizers supporting flowering and leaf colour is advised. Fully hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 29-09-2009