Common Name: Venus Dogwood
Botanical Name: Cornus x ‘KN30-8’
Plant family: FCornaceae
Location: Art Trail
Growing zone: 5-9
Height: 15-20 ft.
Spread: 15-20 ft.
Bloom time: April, May
Bloom description: Large white bracts encompass the tiny greenish-yellow flowers. The bracts, are modified leaves and are often mistaken for flowers. Bracts serve as a flashy “landing strip” for bees that might overlook the insignificant flowers. The bracts are large, growing up to 6 to 8 in. in diameter! Blooms give way to strawberry-esque fruit in the summer.
Leaf type: Glossy green leaves give way to fall colors of red, orange, and yellow.
Garden uses: Venus Dogwood makes a spectacular specimen tree. The tree is a great focal point when in full bloom. It likes moist, but well-drained soil in part sun to full sun conditions. This cultivar is more drought-tolerant than other cultivars.