We'll take a closer look at Cornus kousa, the Japanese dogwood.
Shrubs bloom beautifully in gardens and public spaces during May and June. During this time, some shrubs are almost completely hidden beneath a white glow created by their own inflorescences. The actual inflorescence consists of a green flower head (small sphere) surrounded by four striking white bracts. The pointed shape of these bracts and their glossy white color make the inflorescence resemble a radiant star.
In the summer, the flower develops into a greenish fruit. The fruits ripen in August and September. As they ripen, the fruit changes from a green to a red, raspberry-like color, with a final diameter of about 2 cm. The fruit is edible but has a bitter, mealy aftertaste. The ripe fruits are very ornamental and resemble a large raspberry or strawberry.
At our nursery, we mainly grow Cornus kousa as a shrub, as this best showcases its ornamental value. The shrub thrives in a somewhat sheltered but sunny location.
A commonly cultivated shrub variety is Cornus kousa var. chinensis. Its flowers and fruits are slightly larger than those of the species. Photos of Cornus kousa and Cornus kousa var. chinensis are attached.
Location of photos: Haaren and our nursery
| Application: | Trees in containers, Trees on rooftops, Large gardens, Small gardens, Solitary trees |
|---|---|
| Growing conditions: | (Partial) shade, Dry (sandy) soil, Normal soil, Moist (clay) soil, Sunny |
| Growth habit: | Wide rising |
| Flower color | White |
| Adult height: | Second size trees 6-12 m |
| Soil: | well-drained humus-rich soil |
| Flowers: | beautiful white-colored blooms that provide a beautiful glow (May-June) |
| Fruits: | Approx. 2 cm in diameter, edible, red, strawberry-like fruit |
For a quote, questions about our product line, or any of our services, please use the contact form; we will respond to your inquiries as soon as possible.
