Japanese Dogwood John Slocock Similar to the species, but smaller, and with a more upright habit, Cornus kousa John Slocock is a small deciduous tree, whose branches ascend before spreading. Makes an excellent specimen tree. The leaves are a deep, glossy green with paler veins, turning purple and red in autumn. Masses of tiny true flowers are each surrounded by four showy and long-lasting bracts, which open green and turn white, becoming blotched with pink as they age. These appear in early summer, and are followed in late summer by deep pink, strawberry-like, dangling fruits, attractive to birds. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit. Site: Best in shelterSoil: Any reasonably well-drained, acid to neutral soilPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of Interest: Spring, summer, autumnHardiness: HardyHeight: Eventually 26ft (8m) Spread: 20ft (6m)