Cornus kousa Teutonia - Flowering Dogwood

The Cornus kousa 'Teutonia' is a variety of Dogwood that is very interesting for its compact habit, large creamy-white star-shaped bracts in June-July, and generous and decorative fruiting in September. The autumn colouring of this small bush, which reaches a height of 3m (9 to 10 ft), contributes to its attractiveness until its leaves fall. Beneath its graceful and elegant appearance lies an easy-to-grow, hardy and undemanding bush. Its modest size and slow growth make it an ideal plant for small spaces, terraces, and balconies.

The Kousa Dogwood is a small tree native to Japan, China, and Korea. Its structural silhouette is created by its layered and horizontal branches and its compact and spreading habit that evokes an oriental landscape. In our gardens, this small tree measures between 4 and 5 metres and is very charming. At the beginning of summer, its deep green foliage is adorned with a profusion of white flowers that look like freshly fallen snow. The green flowers that form dense clusters eventually give way to solitary, star-shaped flower heads made up of four pointed bracts. These flowers last for weeks on end, changing from green to pink before they eventually fade away. They are a delightful addition to any garden. In September, the Flowering Dogwood is covered with small red fruits that look like strawberries. The higher the summer temperatures, the more abundant the fruiting. Although the fruits are edible, fleshy, and sweet, they do not have real culinary interest. However, they are still an ornamental asset that adds a touch of whimsy to the tree. The leaves of the Cornus kousa are deciduous, oval, slightly undulated on the edges, and have a bright green colour. They measure between 5 and 8 cm (3.1 in) and are opposite along the stem. In autumn, they offer a striking spectacle as they turn burning red before falling. The mighty decorative power of flowering dogwoods has encouraged horticulturalists to obtain new varieties with different characteristics.

The Teutonia Japanese Dogwood is a compact and rounded variety that grows to a height and width of 3 metres (9 to 10 ft). It is perfect for decorating small gardens, balconies, and terraces. During June and July, the tree is adorned with numerous flowers composed of creamy-white bracts measuring 6 to 8 cm long. These flowers are delicately placed on the foliage and appear to have fallen from the sky. The tree produces an abundant and generous fruiting due to its flowering. The Teutonia cultivar is known for its decorative fruits.

The Kousa Dogwood prefers continental climates and temperate zones. Very cold temperatures during winter can result in absent or reduced flowering. However, this bush is very hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -15°. It tolerates sunny exposures in areas with moderately hot summers. It should be planted in a sheltered spot from the scorching sun in hot regions. The Kousa Dogwood 'Teutonia' likes fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. 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 ericaceous soil. A pine bark mulch will help maintain soil freshness and acidity. This Cornus is still rare in gardens but very easy to grow once it has benefited from proper planting. Pruning is not obligatory but can be done at the end of winter to remove diseased or dead wood and crossed branches to maintain an excellent habit. Watering should be regular in summer during the first two years of planting. Resistant to diseases and low maintenance, it knows how to make itself forgotten while still being noticed!

The Cornus kousa 'Teutonia' is ideal for small spaces like gardens, terraces, and balconies. It has a slow growth rate and doesn't grow too big, which makes it perfect for container gardening as long as it's adequately watered during summer. In a garden bed, it can be paired up with heath plants for a beautiful colour and foliage combination. You can combine it with plants like 'Susan' Magnolia, 'Forest Flame' Pieris, or 'Hino Crimson' Japanese Azalea for a more harmonious look. It will thrive in a slightly shaded lawn if you want to plant it as a standalone tree.