Cornus kousa Claudia - Japanese Dogwood A lovely tree for the smaller garden, Cornus kousa var. chinensis Claudia is a small, deciduous tree with a bushy, spreading habit. The ovate leaves are mid-green, turning rich shades of red and orange in autumn. In spring, the shrub is covered with a greenish boss of tiny true flowers surrounded by showy, four-petalled, pure white bracts, developing pink splashes as the flower ages. Pink, rather strawberry-like, edible fruits make a good display in autumn. Its architectural form makes Japanese dogwood Claudia a lovely specimen tree. Site: Tolerates exposureSoil: Moist, deep, well-drained, acid to neutral soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: Spring and autumn in particularHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: 13-26’ (4-8m) Spread: 13-26’ (4-8m) in 20-50 years