Cornus kousa, or kousa dogwood, a non-native species from Asia, is drought-tolerant, cold-hardy, potentially self-sowing, and disease-resistant. It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). However, it is still vulnerable to borers and leaf spot, and it doesn�t do well in waterlogged soils due to its shallow root system. It prefers acidic soil and may show chlorosis in high pH soils. Mulching helps keep roots cool, and pruning should be done right after flowering as it blooms on old wood.