Cornus Venus - Flowering Dogwood

The Cornus kousa 'Venus' is a recent variety of Dogwood, remarkable for the majestic size of its creamy white star-shaped bracts. It forms a small tree approximately 5 m (16 ft) tall by 4 m (13 ft) wide. Its magnificent flowering occurs in May-June and lasts for several weeks. It is followed by red fruits resembling strawberries, highly decorative against the dark green satin foliage, which turns yellow, orange, and red in autumn. Beneath the graceful and elegant appearance of this beautiful 'Venus' lies an easy-to-grow shrub, very hardy and undemanding, particularly resistant to powdery mildew and anthracnose. Its modest dimensions and slow growth make it an ideal plant for small gardens.

The Kousa Dogwood is a small-growing tree, native to Japan, China, and Korea. Its structural silhouette, drawn by its layered and horizontal branches and its compact and spreading habit, evokes an oriental landscape. This small tree, which measures between 4 and 5 metres (13-16 ft) in our gardens, is not lacking in attractions. In early summer, its deep green foliage is adorned with a profusion of white flowers giving the illusion of a freshly fallen snow. These are green clusters that give rise to well-formed, star-shaped solitary inflorescences composed of 4 pointed bracts. The longevity of the flowers, which turn pink before fading, enchants the garden. In September, the flowering Dogwood is covered with small red fruits, resembling strawberries. The higher the summer temperatures, the more generous the fruiting. The fruits are edible, fleshy, and have a mild flavour, but they do not have real culinary interest. However, they still provide a certain ornamental value that adds a touch of fantasy to the tree. The leaves of the Cornus kousa are deciduous, ovated, slightly undulated on the edges, and are a bright green colour. They measure between 5 and 8 cm (3.1 in) and are arranged opposite each other along the stem. Autumn offers a flamboyant spectacle as they turn glorious shades of bright red into orange-yellow before falling. The powerful decorative power of flowering dogwoods has encouraged nurserymen to obtain new varieties with different characteristics. The Japanese Dogwood 'Venus' is a recent hybrid variety obtained in the United States by Dr. E. Orton. This beautiful upright and wide-spreading Cornus does not exceed 5 m (16 ft) in height and width: it will be ideal as a solitary specimen in a small garden. In May-June, it is adorned with a multitude of large flowers (up to 15 cm/5.9 in in diameter!), composed of 4 white-cream bracts. Delicately placed on the foliage, they spread out as if they had fallen from the sky. This abundant flowering gives rise to equally generous fruiting.

The Cornus kousa thrives in continental climates and temperate zones. Very cold temperatures during winter can result in absent or reduced flowering. However, this shrub is very hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F). It tolerates sunny exposures in areas with moderately warm summers. In hot regions, it should be planted in a sheltered spot away from the scorching sun. Cornus kousa 'Venus' likes fertile, well-drained soils with a tendency towards acidity. It tolerates clay soils as long as it is protected from excess moisture, especially in winter. Plant it in a deep hole lined with coarse sand or gravel to ensure good drainage. At planting time, add compost and ericacious soil. Mulching with pine bark will help maintain soil freshness and acidity. This Cornus is still rare in gardens but yet very easy to grow as long as it has been properly planted. Pruning is not obligatory but can be done at the end of winter to remove diseased or dead wood and crossing branches to maintain an attractive 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 standing out!

The Cornus kousa 'Venus' will find its place within a bed of heath plants. To create a beautiful harmony of colours and foliage, combine it with a 'Susan' Magnolia, a 'Forest Flame' Pieris, or a Japanese Azalea 'Hino Crimson'. The Japanese Dogwood 'Venus' also looks striking if planted as a solitary specimen in a slightly shaded lawn, in a bed, or as a free hedge. It can be planted with other shrubs, such as Calycanthus Venus, Styrax japonica, or Viburnum plicatum. Very hardy (-20°C), Cornus Venus is suitable for all climates.