Cornus kousa Copacabana - Flowering Dogwood

The 'Copacabana' variety of Cornus kousa is remarkable for the colour of its foliage, which comes in shades of red-purple. This small shrub with a compact and bushy habit offers a beautiful spring flowering, white tinged with pink, which contrasts nicely with the foliage. This recent selection takes its name from the legendary Brazilian beach but has nothing tropical about its hardiness. Indeed, the 'Copacabana' Japanese Dogwood can withstand temperatures below -15 °C (5 °F) and can therefore enhance most of our gardens! Its modest dimensions also allow it to be grown in pots and to brighten up terraces and balconies for the pleasure of city dwellers! 

The Kousa Dogwood is a small tree, native to Japan, China, and Korea. Its graphic silhouette, drawn by its layered and horizontal branches as well as its compact and spreading habit, evokes an oriental landscape. Derived from a recent hybridisation, Cornus kousa 'Copacabana' stands out for its bushy habit and slightly creeping appearance. This cultivar remains modest in size, reaching a maximum height of 3 m (9 ft 10 in) with a 2 m (6 ft 7 in) spread at maturity. 'Copacabana' is also remarkable thanks to its highly decorative coppery purple foliage. Light green at first, the leaves turn reddish-bronze to chocolate as they age. The leaves of Cornus kousa are ovate, slightly undulate on the edges. They measure between 5 and 8 cm (2 and 3.1 in) and are arranged opposite each other along the stem. The spectacle intensifies in autumn when Cornus kousa 'Copacabana' turns intense red, like an incandescent bush. The flowering of 'Copacabana' stands out from that of other dogwoods due to its colour. In May-June, the bush is adorned with a multitude of white flowers, tinged with pink on the tips. These are actually green glomerules giving rise to solitary star-shaped inflorescences that are well-shaped and composed of four pointed bracts. The longevity of the flowers enchants the garden for many weeks. Of medium size, these star-shaped inflorescences are arranged on the tree as if placed on the foliage, giving the illusion of a freshly spread snow mantle. In September, flowering dogwoods are covered with small red fruits, resembling strawberries. The higher the summer temperatures, the more generous the fruiting. The fruits are edible and fleshy with a mild flavour, but they are of no real culinary interest. Nevertheless, they provide a certain ornamental value that adds a touch of fantasy to the tree.

The Kousa Dogwood thrives in continental climates and temperate zones. Very cold temperatures during winter can cause absent or reduced flowering. However, this shrub is very hardy and can withstand frosts of at least -15 °C (5 °F). It tolerates sunny exposures in areas with moderately hot summers. In hot regions, it should be planted in a sheltered spot away from the scorching sun. Cornus kousa 'Copacabana' likes fertile, well-drained soils with an acidic tendency. It tolerates clay soils as long as it is protected from excess moisture, especially in winter. Plant it in a deep hole lined with clay balls, coarse sand, or gravel to ensure good drainage. When planting, add compost and heather soil. A pine bark mulch will help maintain soil freshness and acidity. This Cornus is still rare in gardens and yet very easy to grow once it has been properly planted. Pruning is not mandatory but can be done at the end of winter to remove diseased or dead wood and crossing branches to maintain a nice habit. During the first two years after planting, regular watering is necessary in summer. Resistant to diseases and low-maintenance, it knows how to blend in while still standing out! 

Cornus kousa 'Copacabana' is a small shrub that will easily find its place in a small space such as a garden, a terrace, or a balcony. It can be grown in pots as long as it is regularly watered during the growing season. In the garden, it will make a strong impression in a bed of heather plants. It can be paired with plants with colourful foliage such as Japanese Maple 'Aureum', Japanese Maple 'Seiryu', or even Pieris 'Flaming silver'. Its bushy and slightly creeping habit allows it to be used as ground cover and brightens up a slightly dark space with its changing and flamboyant colours.