Samaritan Chinese Dogwood
Best ornamental tree for adding unique visual interest to gardens.
This striking variegated cultivar brings refined elegance and landscape versatility to any garden. Its dark green leaves are beautifully edged in creamy white, creating a luminous canopy that brightens shaded areas. This selection offers multi-season interest, with white, star-like bracts in early summer, followed by pink-red fruit and vibrant fall colors. It matures to a manageable 15-20 feet tall and wide with a dense, rounded form, making it ideal for small gardens or foundation plantings.
$339.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
997
/ 1822
#997 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
+201%
Above average
Sun Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
/ Full sun to partial shade
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant, multi-season visual appeal in their landscape.
- Homeowners desiring a low-maintenance, resilient ornamental tree.
- Landscape designers and gardeners wanting consistent beauty across all seasons.
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with challenging soil or full-sun exposure.
- Individuals seeking rapid growth for immediate landscape impact.
- Budget-conscious gardeners or those seeking widely available plants.
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Variegated foliage creates a luminous, high-contrast focal point in shaded gardens.
Space Efficiency
Compact, rounded habit fits perfectly into small urban landscapes and foundations.
Seasonal Versatility
Delivers consistent interest through summer blooms, autumn fruit, and vibrant foliage.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal upkeep once established, though it demands consistent soil moisture.
Wildlife Resilience
Lacks natural deer resistance, necessitating protection in areas with high populations.
Growth Predictability
Moderate growth rate ensures the tree remains manageable without aggressive pruning.
Key Specs
Sun Exposure
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Water
Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zones
5 to 8
Mature Height
15 to 20 feet
Mature Spread
15 to 20 feet
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Bloom Season
Summer
Know before you buy
This cultivar reaches a mature height and spread of 15 to 20 feet. Its dense, rounded form makes it a manageable choice for smaller gardens or foundation plantings.
It performs well in both full sun and partial shade. While it thrives in a variety of light conditions, providing some afternoon shade in hotter climates can help protect the variegated leaves from scorching.
The pink-red fruit is technically edible, though it is primarily valued for its ornamental appeal and ability to attract birds to the garden. It is not typically grown for culinary purposes.
The Samaritan Chinese Dogwood prefers moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil. Ensuring good drainage is essential, as this tree does not tolerate standing water or heavy, waterlogged clay.
Yes, once established, it is relatively low maintenance. It maintains a tidy, rounded shape naturally, so it requires minimal pruning unless you need to remove dead or crossing branches.
The Samaritan Chinese Dogwood is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8. If you live within these zones, it should be well-suited to your local climate.
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$340